A day after family and friends showered her with a birthday party, there wouldn’t seem to be much more Marilyn Steigler could do for an encore.

Except, of course, get a COVID-19 shot inside a tent located outside St. Luke’s University Health Network’s Lehighton Campus as she did Monday morning.

On her 100th birthday, Steigler, and her daughter, Beverly received the shot.

“I tried so often,” Marilyn said.

The Palmerton resident said she wasn’t the only one who had trouble getting the shot.

“My cousins, they tried for so long and they couldn’t get in,” she said. “I’m glad to get it, yes I am.”

John Nespoli, president of St. Luke’s Carbon Campus, was among those on hand to congratulate Marilyn on her momentous milestone.

Nespoli said that if Marilyn can find a way to get her shot at the age of 100, then so should everyone.

“I think she should be really an inspiration to the whole community,” Nespoli said. “We’re all in this together; let’s get the (vaccine).”

Nespoli said they have the capability to administer about 500 shots per day on a typical day.

Marilyn wasn’t about to call it a day just yet, as she had already made plans for lunch.

“I’m going to be meeting some of my cousins and head on down to Cracker Barrel in Fogelsville,” Marilyn said.

A time to celebrate

On Sunday, Marilyn celebrated her 100th birthday among family and friends at Salem United Methodist Church in Aquashicola.

The Rev. William Ritzenthaler said, “She’s been so excited about turning 100, and I didn’t want it to go by without having a huge celebration. She’s had such a great life, and she’s been such an inspiration to this church.”

Steigler has lived in the Palmerton area her whole life and has been a lifelong member of Salem UMC.

The party involved a catered meal, birthday cake and the company of Steigler’s friends and fellow church members.

State Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, awarded a citation in honor of reaching 100 years of age. The award noted the accomplishments throughout Steigler’s lifetime including her work, dedication to her church and other community involvements.

A graduate of Palmerton High School she worked at Everson Electric and as an inspector at Bethlehem Steel. She served as a 4-H leader, at the Aquashicola fire company and Palmerton Hospital Ladies Auxiliary.

At church, she was active with women’s fellowship, Sunday school and nursery.

She was married 60 years to Henry Steigler who died in 2007.

Aside from gardening, cooking and baking, she said she loves to travel and has been to places such as Niagara Falls, the New England area, Florida and the Outer Banks.

Furthermore, Steigler emphasized the importance of living not only a long life, but a kind life.

“I was kind all my life, and I was a churchgoer all my life. I’m always helping others, and I’m a great one for being kind, and I was always taught that you should be.”

When asked whether she had any advice in regard to living a long life, Steigler noted the importance of staying busy.

“Be busy all the time,” she said. “Even at my age, I do as much work as I can because I have to keep busy.”

Additionally, Steigler added that it helps her to stick to a routine, such as reading her Bible every day and cooking all of her meals.