109 Years of Memories: Cocoa Woman in Hospice at Health First Celebrates Remarkable Milestone
By Space Coast Daily // October 2, 2026
Mildred Phaneuf gets her moment in the spotlight as family, Health First caregivers celebrate the former teacher and mother of eight
BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA – Surrounded by family, friends and caregivers, Mildred Phaneuf celebrated her 109th birthday on Friday, marking a milestone reached by only a small number of Americans.
The celebration – a third for her this week – was coordinated by the Hospice of Health First care team, who joined loved ones in honoring Phaneuf’s life, which has spanned more than a century of American history. Her actual birthday is Saturday, Oct. 3.
“Everybody’s amazed that she’s lived so long,” said Mary Hoffman, her daughter. “Especially her.”
Born in 1917, Phaneuf has lived through two world wars, the Great Depression, the advent of television, the dawn of the Space Age, and the rise of the digital era. During that time, she built a life centered on family, faith, and service to others.
Her advice for making it to 109?
“Make (darn) sure you don’t eat all the cake,” Phaneuf said.
A former teacher and widowed mother of eight, Phaneuf was born in Vermont and later lived in Massachusetts. She moved to Florida approximately 30 years ago, so she could be closer to her daughter and son-in-law.
Today, she enjoys visits with loved ones, watching reruns of “Perry Mason,” and continuing to receive weekly Communion visits through her church community.
The birthday celebration brought together family members and members of the Hospice of Health First team, including nursing, social work, volunteer, and spiritual care professionals who support Phaneuf and her family.
