Lifelong resident celebrates 101st birthday
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Dye

Richard Hemann is so inspired by his friend Marian Dye that he wanted to acknowledge her 101st birthday in a special way.

Dye was born Feb. 10, 1906 as Marian Miller in Williamsville and grew up on Eagle Street. She has lived most of her life in the village.

Living with one of her two daughters, Dye continues to enjoy sewing and reading. She gets around with the assistance of a walker, but her mind is on track.

She can share hundreds of stories from the Depression, the growth of Williamsville and the history of the many people she has met during her lifetime.

Dye remembers a time when the houses in the village didn't have numbers and when her family was earning $9.21 a week.

"There is no reason at all, the Lord so decided to keep me here," she said about turning 101.

Hemann said Dye is an inspiration to everyone she meets. The two became friends at Cleveland Heights Christian Church.

Dye held many jobs, including at the Chevy plant and a school. She worked, taking her children with her, while her husband was in the service.

Last year, when she turned 100, a large party was thrown in her honor, with family and friends traveling across the country.

"Well there must have been 100 people there," she said, reflecting on the past year.

Dye admits it wasn't always an easy life, but she still laughs as she tells anecdotes from her life.

Hemann made sure Dye didn't let herself come across as humble as she would like. He praised her diligence, especially in helping the poor because she knew what it was like to be poor.

He said she has great faith and never drank or smoked.

"She worked hard for her family," he said. Dye is the mother of Joanne Sterns and Crystal MacTarnaghan. She has nine grandchildren.