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More than 500 birthday cards sent to Denver woman on her 108th birthday

Posted at 10:04 AM, Aug 05, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-05 12:11:05-04

DENVER — The kindness of the Denver community came out in full force for a woman's 108th birthday this week.

Gertie Abkes celebrated her birthday Tuesday at Clermont Park Life Plan Community in Denver. A week before, the assisted living facility reached out to Denver7 and said Abkes wanted 108 birthday cards for her 108th birthday.

She was born four months after the Titanic sunk. The facility said Abkes has survived two pandemics, is an avid Denver Broncos fan, worked in a grocery store through the Great Depression, and has called Denver home since 1942.

"Gertie puts the ‘Great’ in Greatest Generation," the facility said in a press release. "She has a strong sense of humor, loves watching the Denver Broncos and visiting with friends. Her life philosophy is 'I believe you shouldn’t (give) into hate. Treat everyone the same and love everyone. I love all people.'"

After that call for birthday cards, more than 500 heartfelt messages flooded in, all addressed to Abkes.

"She was overcome with the kindness and love your viewers showed her," the assisted living facility said. "This is a birthday she will never forget."