Family and friends gathered at the Rutland Adult Daycare center in East Flatbush for a bittersweet celebration on May 24.
Brooklynite Doris Fordyce was honored with a commemorative citation from state Sen. Brian Benjamin to mark her recent 100th birthday, bringing a smile to the youthful spirit, said a close family friend.
“It was beautiful. It was a really special day,” said Nadine Nelson. “She was surprised. She was not expecting it, but she was very happy.”
Nelson said Fordyce is like a mother to her.
“She’s not a mom to me by blood, but she’s like a mom to me in many ways,” she said.”
The day also marked the closing of the Rutland Adult Daycare Center, where Fordyce had been a resident for 19 years.
The center had been serving the community in Kings County since 1992, providing social services and medical care to elderly Brooklynites at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center on Schenectady Avenue.
Fordyce’s daughter called the closing a tragic loss for the community.
“Everyone liked it there,” said Paula Victor. “The did exercises, games, bible classes, activities, and trips. It’s sad that it’s not going to be there anymore.”
Victor said they would be transitioning her mother into a similar facility at McKinney Hospital in Prospect Lefferts Garden next month.
“She hasn’t seen it yet, but she’s excited,” said Victor.
