Lorain resident Margie Dziama will celebrate another milestone Feb. 27 as she turns 105-years-old.
Born in Pennsylvania, Dziama and her family moved to Lorain when she was just five years old, beginning her century long history with the city.
“Margie has always been somewhat independent and has always wanted to make an impact,” says long time friend Olga Sivinski. “She has done numerous things throughout the city from being executive secretary for U.S. Steel to choir director for our church.”
Perhaps what Dziama has become most known for, however, is her work with Mercy Hospital in Lorain. She took up the post of volunteering with them from a young age and only recently retired at the age of 98 from head of volunteering.
“The hospital, which was called Lorain Community Hospital when she first joined, threw her a 100th birthday celebration five years ago and even named the cafe after her as a gift,” says Sivinski. “So now if you go into Mercy Hospital to visit someone, you will see Margie’s Cafe and that’s named for her.”
While Dziama never married and had children, family has always been at the forefront of her life. Growing up she spent much of her time with her brother, Nick, and his three kids, Val Maddie, Greg and Douglas. Dziama’s father also was the first priest for St. Peter Paul Orthodox church in Lorain.
“Because of her father, Margie has spent a lot of time within the church and became our choir director,” says her nephew greg Dziama. “That’s why when we decided to throw her a party we wanted to invite the choir to come and sing to her.”
During her younger years, Dziama was known for more than just her work drive. She is known to be very artistic and creative and even specialized in making the famous Pysanky, Ukrainian fancy Easter eggs.
Dziama’s long life comes at no surprise either.
“She used to threaten her doctor, you better get me to 100,” laughs Greg Dziama. “I guess he followed through because look at her now.”
“I thank everyone for coming to my party,” says Margie, “you are all wonderful people.” Dziama plans to continue living out her days at Avon Oaks retirement village and says she’s already looking forward to 106.
