Columbus, Ohio USA
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Lynda Mahaffey Celbrates 90th Birthday
Longtime Victorian Village resident grateful for 'good legs'
By Margaret Marten
September/October 2016 Issue

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Lynda Mahaffey photo by Emily Noble

Longtime Short North resident Lynda Mahaffey celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends at Amelita Mirolo Barn in Upper Arlington on August 6, a few days before her actual birthday on August 10.

Mahaffey has lived in the same house in Victorian Village for 70 years. Her family moved to the Short North from Indianola and Eighth avenues where she grew up. An active community volunteer and church member, she has made many wonderful friends over the years, so it was no surprise that 60 dear friends and family members were there to greet her for her birthday. But, as it turns out, it was indeed a surprise. “It was an utter surprise,” said Mahaffey.

Her granddaughter Heather came to take her out that day, and when Mahaffey asked where they were going, she answered, “Grandma, if I told you, I’d have to kill ya.” So when they arrived at the barn, she still didn’t have a clue, but her daughter Gerri was there to greet her. “There Gerri stood, and she said ‘Happy Birthday, Mother.’ She was right there waiting for me at the door.”

Several generations of family joined in the celebration: Lynda’s brother Dave Shelby with his three daughters and their children, her daughter Gerri and husband Lee Spitzer, and her granddaughter Heather.

When asked how it feels to be 90 years old, Mahaffey replied that it feels wonderful. “I never particularly cared about 50 or 60, but when it came to 90, I thought, Oh, how sweet, you know, and it was really exciting.”

She plans on being around a while. After her daughter thanked the guests for coming, Mahaffey announced to everyone that they would be meeting there in ten years to celebrate her 100th. She continues to walk a mile a day, volunteers at King Avenue United Methodist Church, and visits friends. “The Lord has been good to me. He gave me good legs so that I can walk and everything.”

Mahaffey retired in 1992 after 41 years at Byers car dealership but never learned to drive and is quick to commend the COTA bus service. “Everybody laughs. They say, if you want to know where to go, Lynda’s got a schedule. Yes, it’s been a wonderful life.”

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