PHOTO PROVIDED BY MATT GAY Westminister Towers-Lucerne resident Mabel Sturges, right, recently celebrated her 106th birthday party in the retirement community’s dining room in downtown Orlando. More than 65 people, including longtime friend Matt Gay, left, attended the party for Sturges, who was a member of the Cathedral Church of St. Luke in Orlando for 90 years.

More than a century after her birth, Orlando’s Mabel Sturges still knows how to enjoy a party.

More than 65 people, including many of her fellow residents from Westminster Towers-Lucerne, gathered to celebrate Sturges’ 106th birthday party in the retirement community’s dining room on Saturday, March 11, in downtown Orlando.

Well-dressed partygoers sat at pristine tables decorated with fresh flowers and custom birthday invitations. It was an impressive display of appreciation for a woman who, for years, held twice-weekly dinner parties.

“This is a very nice turnout,” said Matt Gay, a longtime friend and one of three health surrogates for Sturges. “It’s primarily Tower residents. These are people who have gotten to know Mabel.”

Attendees signed her guest registry, left presents at the gift table and even posed for pictures with the guest of honor, dressed in blue and wearing a lovely corsage. She enjoyed herself, waving and smiling at the crowd.

“I really don’t feel like I’m that age,” Sturges said.

The oldest resident of Westminster Towers-Lucerne in downtown Orlando and arguably the most popular centenarian in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, she has been a member of the Cathedral Church of St. Luke in Orlando for 90 years.

As a longtime member of the Cathedral, she was involved in just about everything a church could offer. From forming the St. Elizabeth Guild for women to organizing senior trips to throwing dinner parties, Sturges was a proud, vital member of the church.

Although she has been unable to attend church for three or four years now because of health issues, Sturges and her enormous contributions have not been forgotten.

“Mabel’s a special person,” Gay said. “She never complains. Everybody loves her.”

Born in 1903 in LaFollette, Tenn., Sturges has lived life to the fullest. After moving to Florida when she was 14, she joined the Cathedral two years later. She graduated from Orlando High School and then went on to found the St. Elizabeth Guild during World War II in 1942.

She assisted the church in many other ways as well, including serving as a greeter and member of both Altar and Wedding guilds.

But it may have been her dinner parties that garnered the most attention. “She kept a book, recording everyone who attended each dinner, along with the food she served and the dishes and tablecloth she used,” Gay said. “She was the perfect hostess. She loved to entertain.”

Sturges also was famous for her rum cakes. She would bake 30 of the treats every Christmas, presenting them to clergy and good friends. “Although she never consumed alcohol herself and never tasted her cakes, they were a special treat to recipients because she doubled the amount of rum required from one cup to two,” Gay said.

As for folks throwing her a party, Sturges said: “I love it. It’s fine with me.”

Outside the church, Sturges was just as impressive. Shortly after marrying, she helped to take care of her parents-in-law as well as her brother-in-law and his wife for many years. She and George Stilson Sturges had a long and happy marriage.

After decades of being surrounded by people she loves, Sturges was delighted to be the recipient of a fine birthday party. “I think it’s wonderful,” she said. “I’m very, very thankful.”