Irma Burke joins the small ranks of supercentenarians
Irma Burke celebrated her 110th birthday on Thursday, September 25, with about 120 guests at Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury (RWC). From left, White Stone Mayor William Hubbard and town clerk Melinda George present Mrs. Burke a key to the town. Several White Stone town council members were there to deliver a proclamation declaring September 25, 2025, “Irma Burke Day.” Mrs. Burke has said the secret to longevity is “drinking the White Stone water.” Burke may be the second oldest Virginia resident, according to RWC. Photo by AnnGardner Eubank
IRVINGTON—Born in Lancaster County in 1915 when Woodrow Wilson was president and World War I was well under way, Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury (RWC) resident Irma Burke celebrated her 110th birthday on Thursday, September 25, with a cocktail reception in RWC Auditorium for fellow residents and staff.
On her birthday, Mrs. Burke became what is considered extremely rare—a supercentenarian, a person who is 110 or older. According to Wikipedia, this age is achieved by about one in 1,000 centenarians.
She grew up in a house with no telephone, no television, nor even electricity early in her….
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