Sherman Oaks : Hospital Volunteer Marks 100th Birthday

So how does a veteran volunteer at Sherman Oaks Hospital and Health Center celebrate her 100th birthday, anyhow?

For Starr Mitchell, the celebration included a party with lemon cake--it’s her favorite--fruit punch, a gift book on Jewish history and a gathering of a few dozen of her favorite doctors, nurses and fellow volunteers from the hospital’s Social Services Department.

Mitchell is a mother to two, grandmother to five and great-grandmother to three--and that’s not including her daughter-in-law, whom she counts as an another daughter. She has volunteered at the hospital for 12 years--”twice a week religiously,” she said, simply because she likes bringing a smile to cancer patients and those suffering depression.

“She calls herself the ‘cheer-up girl,’ ” said Leslie Pionke, director of the Social Services Department.

And spread good cheer she does. At the hospital. At her card group, dubbed “Good Friends.” And at the discussion group she formed at Prell Gardens retirement hotel in Van Nuys, where she has lived since the earthquake destroyed her Sherman Oaks home.

“I love being with people,” said Mitchell, who was actually 100 years old plus 12 days on Monday. “I like helping people. It does my heart good to cheer them.”

Mitchell is a young 100, said Mary Pratt, director of volunteers at the hospital.

“Starr is very sharp, alert and aware of her environment,” Pratt said. “She’s very giving, generous, kind and gracious. . . . The patients who meet her just think she’s terrific.”

But, on doctor’s orders, Mitchell has had to give up her hospital volunteer work after having respiratory problems this winter. She vowed to continue her cheerful ways at Prell Gardens instead.

Pionke, though, had her doubts about Mitchell’s retirement. “I sort of expect her to come back somehow,” she said.