FRANKLIN— How do you make it to 100?

Well, if you follow the advice of Florence C. Murray of Franklin, you need a little bit of Vitamin C every day.

Of course in this case, Vitamin “C” stands for “CHOCOLATE.”

This self-proclaimed “chocoholic” swears it has given her the healthy longevity she enjoys.

Some even wonder if the “C” in her name really represents “chocolate” instead of her maiden name.

It seems Murray may be on to something as she prepares to celebrate her 100th birthday on today.

All who know her are well aware of her “health plan” as well as her generous nature and willingness to lend a hand.

Prior to being a three-year resident of East Pavilion, Florence led a very active life that included driving friends to their various appointments and activities.

She also attended regular gatherings of the High Street Seniors and faithfully attended Grace Memorial Methodist Church of Sedley where she has been a long-time member.

She is a lover of animals, music and hearing or telling a great joke.

Her adventurous spirit has afforded her many opportunities to enjoy as she has journeyed through a century of the world’s changes.

Originally from Webster,

N.Y., Florence was born in her family’s farmhouse and grew up an only child enjoying all that life on a dairy farm and apple orchard can offer.

She graduated in the 1920’s from Rochester Art Institute, now known as Rochester Institute of Technology.

She received a degree in art and has enjoyed painting, pottery and jewelry-making.

After many years of working on the same family apple orchard, Murray and her late husband, Lawrence, moved to Franklin in the mid-1970’s to escape the harsh winters of the Webster area and to be closer to her daughter’s family.

She has two children, Robert Murray of Chambersburg, Pa., and Marsha Billings (deceased) of Franklin; four grandchildren, Tracy Outlaw, Scott Murray, Sharon Baker and Alan Billings; and seven great-grandchildren.

Florence’s family and friends plan to celebrate this momentous occasion with her at East Pavilion where you can be sure that something chock-full of Vitamin “C” will be served.