Costa Mesa big names help former 70-year resident celebrate her first 100 years
Surrounded by friends at a Westside Costa Mesa party Friday afternoon, Virginia Townsend celebrated a milestone of what has been a long life.
The retired cosmetician marked her 100th birthday at the home of Robert and Paulette Russell, albeit a little ahead of her actual birthday next month.
Townsend has spent the past 11 years living in Whittier, near her son, Ted, 73. But she lived in Costa Mesa for some 70 years.
And making Friday’s occasion extra memorable for her was the surprise appearance of people who made up a who’s who of Costa Mesa.
Mayor Steve Mensinger, birthday balloons in hand, shared the moment with Townsend, as did city staff members including Chief Executive Tom Hatch, Fire Chief Dan Stefano and Police Chief Rob Sharpnack.
“You don’t look a year over 56,” Mensinger told Townsend as she sat in her wheelchair, her gray hair topped with a sparkling silver-colored tiara.
It was the first time she had met a Costa Mesa mayor.
The City Hall contingent presented Townsend with an official certificate of recognition.
“Oh, my goodness!” she responded.
Townsend also received a hat, a local history book, drink coasters and holders, an insulated bag and some newly produced Costa Mesa T-shirts that celebrate its heritage as Goat Hill.
“Red’s good,” Mensinger said as he handed her a shirt of that color. “That’s Republican.”
Other party guests received similar bags of gifts.
Townsend’s friends told Mensinger about their weight-loss club, TOPS, or Taking Off Pounds Sensibly. They noted how Townsend had shed several pounds as a member.
Mensinger joked how he needs to hang out with the women more often, and then proclaimed TOPS membership while denying a slice of Townsend’s chocolate cake.
“Oh, I’m on TOPS now,” he said.
Townsend was born in Galena, Kan., in 1916. She recalled how her Cherokee County birthplace was a mining town for zinc and lead in those days.
Townsend moved to California in 1918. She worked as a cosmetician at her mother’s beauty shop in Los Angeles.
In Costa Mesa, her family owned and managed apartments in the Westside.
Townsend was married to Leon Townsend for 32 years. He died about 15 years ago.
Her friends say she always lived a quiet and simple life. With her knack for needlepoint, crafting and sewing, she used to travel to Arizona in the summer to teach embroidery to Native Americans.
Townsend’s family will come from all over to celebrate her 100th birthday Aug. 4. Friday’s party was held to avoid a conflict with the August festivities.
Townsend’s friends said her doctor has given her a clean bill of health.
When asked how she plans to commemorate her 101st birthday, Townsend quickly replied: “I don’t know. I can’t top this!”
