CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Thursday was a very special day for Virginia “Ginny” Cadd.
Believed to be West Virginia’s oldest living citizen, Cadd celebrated her 107th birthday along with friends, family, and even Gov. Patrick Morrisey. Cadd lives in the Harmony community at Southridge in Charleston.
The governor stopped by to wish Cadd a happy birthday. He presented her with a certificate of recognition, in addition to a special birthday cake from the state of West Virginia.
“We’re so proud of you,” Morrisey told her. “Every West Virginian is rooting for you today. It’s not every day that we get to celebrate something like this.”
Cadd was born on August 13, 1919, in Nitro, the oldest of seven children. She has spent the majority of her life in the Kanawha Valley with time in Charleston, Dunbar and Cross Lanes. She married George Cadd in 1939. The couple were married for 42 years, raising three children, until George passed away in 1981.
Cadd’s remarkable life has included time as a personal shopper at The Diamond Department Store.
“Virginia has lived through more than a century of change and countless historic moments while remaining a treasured part of her family and community,” Morrisey said. “At 107 years young, she continues to live with remarkable independence and a sharp mind. It was a privilege to join her family and friends today as we celebrated an extraordinary West Virginian and an incredible milestone.”
A Charter Member at Harmony at Southridge, Cadd still leads an active lifestyle at 107, reading and visiting with her friends. To this day, she still does her own laundry.