Dorothy Gilles is observing her 103rd birthday this Sunday, Oct. 23. Her family is planning a celebration of her life at her residence and readers of The Catholic Post can join in by sending cards to her at Cornerstone Rehab and Care Center, 5533 N. Galena Road, Peoria Heights, IL 61616.

She received more than 200 cards last year and extended the celebration by reading a few every day, according to her daughter, Mary German, who lives in Galesburg with her husband Ken.

Dorothy Margaret Heinz was born Oct. 23, 1913, near Dunlap to Leo H. and Josephine Heinz. She married Edwin W. Gilles on Jan. 11, 1938, in Kickapoo, and they farmed for more than 40 years in the Laura area. They retired to Princeville in 1997.

Mrs. Gilles is also the mother of Ted (Ginny) Gilles and Ray (Jackie) Gilles, both of rural Princeville; and Ron (J.J.) Gilles of Dunlap. Two daughters, Sally Bridson and Elaine Isaacson, are deceased. Mrs. Gilles has 21 grandchildren (three are deceased) and 41 great-grandchildren (one is deceased).

Her husband died in 1997.