Helen Rathbun

Helen says her children helped fill her life with love that continues as they stand by her side to ring in 100 years and counting.

OCEAN VIEW, Del. - Helen Rathbun celebrated her 100th birthday on Tuesday at Mason Dixon VFW Post 7234. In addition to hitting triple digits, Helen worked as a riveter during World War II.

Helen's daughter Jan Saxberg reflects on how she got there. "She said, 'I'm moving to the big city,' and she moved to Baltimore. She had family there, and she went to work for Glen L. Martin, and that was during the war so they needed personnel to work on the aircraft."

Helen also talked about her time during World War II, telling CoastTV, "We made 26 bombers, and I worked on the wing section. Mostly, I did a lot of riveting. I had to install gas tanks to jet wings and the planes."

Helen has been living in Ocean View for years, but was born and raised on a farm in North Carolina. When asked how to live a long, happy life, Helen was quick to answer.

"Loving people and loving animals," she said.

Helen also added that her children helped fill her life with love that continues as they stand by her side to ring in 100 years and counting. 

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Kevin joined the CoastTV News team in November 2023 as a video journalist. He is a Rowan University graduate with a degree in radio television and film and a minor in sports communications. While at Rowan, Kevin worked at the campus television station, RTN, and was also a member of the Rowan radio station, 89.7 WGLS-FM.

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