Mary Jane Bard is a truly special woman nearing her 100th birthday this Christmas Eve at an assisted living in Norton Shores, Michigan. For a century of life, She stands not just as a witness to history, but as a vibrant living testament to the enduring power of a life well-lived. At the remarkable age of 99, her eyes hold the gentle twinkle of countless memories and her heart is an overflowing wellspring of wisdom, grace and unconditional love. Her life is a truly beautiful tapestry, meticulously woven with the strongest threads of faith, devotion to family and extraordinary kindness toward everyone she meets.

Mary Jane has navigated a century of monumental change—from the roaring twenties to the digital age—and yet, her reflections remain wonderfully simple, deeply powerful, and utterly saturated with love. She embodies the timeless truth that the most precious things in life are not possessions, but connections. Her journey is a luminous example for us all, showcasing how to find profound joy and lasting fulfillment through unwavering faith, the embrace of a loving family and the simple act of extending kindness to others. It is in these foundational values that her spirit remains so resilient and bright.

As we celebrate this incredible woman, let us take a moment to truly absorb the profound insights she has gathered over a hundred years. We will explore her heartfelt advice—the pearls of wisdom she offers to the next generations—uncover the golden decade she treasures most, and finally, reveal the surprisingly simple secret that has made her long and beautiful life so exceptionally fulfilling. Get ready to be inspired by a story of endurance, love, and the quiet triumph of a woman with a good heart.

The Joys Of Autumn

For Mary Jane, approaching her hundredth year, the fall season is far more than a transition; it remains a profound and vital source of joy and reflection. She beams when describing her favorite aspects of the season: the way the trees perform their spectacular, final flourish as the leaves turn to impossible shades of crimson, gold, and burning orange. This brilliant, fleeting beauty reminds her of the ever-changing, vibrant nature of life itself. Equally dear to her is the invigorating feel of the crisp air, a refreshing chill that signals cozy evenings and simpler rhythms. And then, there are the indelible scents: the earthy perfume of freshly raked leaves mingling with the woodsy, smoky aroma of bonfires—a fragrance that instantly transports her back through the decades.

This deep, sensory love for the season leads us straight to her absolute favorite childhood memory. Her eyes light up as she recalls the sheer pleasure of a simple, autumn afternoon. It wasn’t about expensive toys or grand trips; it was about the pure, dusty fun shared with neighborhood friends. Together, they’d rake up mammoth, rustling piles of dry leaves, working until their cheeks were rosy, only to end the effort with a triumphant, breathless leap straight into the middle of the colorful mound. The joyful screams, the messy fun, the feeling of falling into a soft, fragrant bed of nature—it was a lesson learned young and never forgotten.

This memory is more than just nostalgia; it is the origin story of her wisdom. That simple act of jumping into a leaf pile taught her early on where true, lasting joy comes from: it resides in shared experiences, in nature’s generosity, and in embracing the simplest moments with a wide-open heart. Mary Jane’s affinity for autumn is a heartwarming testament to finding profound happiness in the magnificent ordinary.

A Life Built On Love

When Mary Jane reflects on the decades, her thoughts always settle fondly on her treasured husband, Paul. When asked if she could revisit a time of her life again and again, she would immediately and always choose the 1950s. This was the golden decade when their beautiful love story began, which blossomed into an incredible 54 years of marriage. Their partnership was clearly the foundation of everything good in her life, so it is no surprise that when asked for the sweetest secret to a fulfilling life, she gives the most direct answer possible: “Have a good husband.” This enduring love became the blueprint for her happiness.

Today, after all the years, adventures, and milestones, what brings her the most profound joy is simply being with her family. Their presence—whether near or far—is her greatest reward and deepest comfort. She loves watching the next generations grow and sharing her stories with them. 

Even now, in her beautiful current home at The Oasis Of Norton Shores in Norton Shores, Michigan, Mary Jane continues to find and spread joy. She deeply cherishes all the new friendships and daily conversations she’s made there, proving that life continues to offer connections and warmth at every age.

The Foundation Of Faith And Kindness

When reflecting on the wisdom accumulated over a lifetime, Mary Jane holds one simple principle as the most valuable: consideration for others. This isn’t just about being polite; it’s about a constant, gentle effort to show unselfishness and truly see the people around you. For her, this willingness to think of others first is the absolute key to finding harmony and happiness in the world. This practice creates strong, lasting bonds and transforms simple daily interactions into moments of real connection, making her a trusted comfort and friend to everyone she meets.

This generous outlook is deeply rooted in her faith, which she describes as the single thing that has fundamentally changed her for the better. She believes her faith is the greatest gift because it provides the strength to go through life’s challenges. Her belief offers a steady source of comfort and courage, proving that with God’s guidance, we can navigate difficulties and accomplish much more than we could alone. It is this combination of selfless action and spiritual backbone that has shaped Mary Jane’s kind and enduring spirit.

Advice On The Journey Of The Young

Mary Jane offers inspiring and direct guidance to all young people starting their own journeys. With the wisdom of nearly a century, she encourages them to find their inner strength and live with conviction. Her simple call to action is: “Be strong and do things that are right so that you too will go in the right way and don’t forget about the God that made us—we need Him.” She emphasizes that being strong isn’t just about facing big problems, but about making small, honest choices every single day. 

Choosing the right way, even when it’s difficult, creates a clear pathway toward a truly fulfilling life. It is her faith that has provided her with the backbone to navigate difficult times and celebrate the joyous ones, proving that life’s greatest rewards are built on these simple, steady foundations.

When she looks back over all the years, her beautiful life is summed up in the four things she holds dearest, the enduring treasures that have sustained her: 

“My faith, my husband, my family, and friends.”

Discover Joy At The Oasis

Mary Jane’s story proves that every season of life is golden and full of opportunity for new connections and cherished moments. If you or a loved one are seeking a warm, friendly community—just like the one Mary Jane cherishes—discover The Oasis of Norton Shores. Come find your next chapter of joy, companionship and connection through our services of Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care.

Visit us at: 6025 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444

Or call us at: (231) 624-5993

Life’s beautiful stories continue here at The Oasis Of Norton Shores, Where Simplicity Meets Serenity. 

Disclaimer: Mary Jane Bard and her family have provided full consent for her story, likeness, and personal details to be shared in this feature. Any accompanying photos or videos are used with her explicit permission and are intended to inspire the community.