Marian Jessup celebrates 95th birthday

The Shafter Nursing Facility had one of its residents celebrate their 95th birthday on Tuesday, giving her two cakes, cupcakes and balloons.

Marian Jessup was born on Nov. 26, 1929, in Anaheim. Jessup grew up in Costa Mesa and had several jobs during her working career. Before retiring, Marian was working for a real estate firm as a foreclosure expert. "It was a great job, but not a popular one. If she didn't get the property foreclosed on, her bosses weren't happy, but if she did her job well, the clients were unhappy," said her husband of 56 years, Charles Jessup.

Jessup said that he and Marian met while they lived in the same apartment complex in Southern California. "She had a '65 Porsche that was her baby. She mentioned to some friends that she needed to get it detailed. Without her knowing, I waxed and detailed half of the car."

He then called her on the intercom and told her that she needed to come right away, that something had happened to her car. "She came rushing down and I showed her the detail job. She was thrilled, and we had coffee that day while I finished the other half of the car. We were together ever since," said Charles.

Jessup also said that Marian was one of the best seamstresses he has ever seen. "She has short legs and arms, so a lot of the clothes she would buy would not fit right. So, she ended up making a lot of her own clothes, as well as a lot of my shirts."

Jessup, after retiring, also taught the skill to other seamstresses. "We set up one of the guest rooms as a sewing room, where people had their machines set up, and Marian would teach them how to improve their sewing skills."

Jessup now lives in Tehachapi, but makes the trek down the mountain regularly to visit Marian. "We have had a wonderful life together and are blessed to still have each other. She is really a true blessing."

The staff sang "Happy Birthday" to Jessup and enjoyed some cake, as well as a couple of cupcakes, her favorite flavor, which is chocolate.

Director of Business Services Elena Espinoza said that Marian is a delight to have at the facility and they were so happy to recognize this special lady on this special day.