Katy Woman Celebrates 105th Birthday

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

July 19, 2024

By Natalie Cook Clark

A Katy woman celebrated 105-years with a party and a piano solo. For nearly 20 years, she has delighted fellow residents of a local senior living community with her love for playing the piano. Recently they got to honor and celebrate her.

Rosa Lee Hankey recently turned 105. She has lived at Katy’s Carriage Inn since 2006. She’s known to many for her piano playing. Recently the facility, along with Hankey’s family, celebrated her birthday.

Hankey was born on June 16, 1919 in Kenefic, Oklahoma and attended Southeastern State University. She worked as a language arts teacher and as a farmer/rancher with her husband, whom she met in high school.

She was one of the first residents of Carriage Inn senior living community and the staff took great pleasure in planning a celebration for her. To many, she’s known for her musical talents, so the staff and residents were excited to get to honor her and give thanks to her for reaching such an incredible milestone.

“Celebrating and planning Rosa Lee’s 105th birthday was an extraordinary privilege,” says Rebecca Borrello, Director of Sales and Marketing for Carriage Inn. “This milestone event was a testament to a life richly lived, filled with wisdom, love, and countless memories.”

A party was coordinated to honor Hankey and a slideshow was shared that paid tribute to her over ten decades of life.

A Look at 1919

The year, 1919 marked the end of World War I and women won the right to vote. Jazz and blues music were popular. It was before the time of the Academy Awards but films with John Barrymore and Charles Chaplin were popular.

Another fun fact for the year that Hankey was born, was that the pop-up toaster was invented.

Her daughter, Susan and son-in-law, John join in her celebration. A highlight of the event was the featured solo piano performance by the centenarian.

“Congratulations, Rosa Lee, and best wishes for another fabulous year,” says Carriage Inn Executive Director Tony Rivas. “We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with you and wish you the happiest of birthdays.”

MORE KATY MAGAZINE