The patriotic date of July 4 held a special commemorative significance this year for Olathe resident Pat Barmby, as it marked her 100th birthday and yet another fulfilling year as a U.S. resident for the former British subject.

Barmby's celebration was highlighted by the arrival of an elaborate card mailed from Buckingham Palace, featuring a photo of Queen Elizabeth II and a birthday greeting.

"The envelope and the card were just beautiful," Barmby said. "They featured royal insignia, a gold tassel tie, and a notation that the mailing came from Buckingham Palace."

Barmby's son, Ray, also an Olathe resident, wrote a letter requesting the card from the queen as part of Barmby's birthday festivities.

The year was 1951 when Barmby first made her way to U.S. soil, moving to the Kansas City area at the encouragement of an aunt who lived on the Country Club Plaza. Barmby, recently divorced in England, moved to join family and begin a new life with her sons, Ray and Terry.

"I clearly remember sailing across the Atlantic in the cold of February aboard a cargo ship that transported just six private passengers," said Barmby. "My oldest son had traveled ahead of us to Kansas City. We were allowed to bring along our Scottish terrier, named Judy, for which the ship's cook kindly provided a bone for nourishment."

One of the most memorable moments of the crossing came when the ship's captain placed his arms around Barmby and her son as they sailed into harbor at New York and saw the Statue of Liberty.

"The captain said, 'Look at her. She has her arms open and is welcoming you to this new land,'" Barmby recalled. She says she could not help shedding tears at that moment.

After a rail trip to Kansas City, Barmby and her son joined family and she secured a job with the Emery, Bird, Thayer Dry Goods Company, a department store in downtown Kansas City. Barmby had worked for a gift store in England, and the firm was pleased to have her work in many departments, including fine jewelry.

Personal and customer service skills were strong suits for Barmby, later leading to work with another exclusive Kansas City firm, Constance Leiter, a long-time purveyor of fine china and linens.

Barmby established a career in Kansas City and raised her two sons, who went on to have successful jobs, marry, and have families of their own. Terry died when he was 55, and Barmby recounts that as one of the most difficult times of her life.

In addition to work life and family, Barmby enjoyed many years of playing piano for nursing home residents and at other functions. She also founded a musical group for area seniors to profile their musical talents, an ensemble that eventually was in great demand to play at golden wedding celebrations.

Barmby enjoyed two birthday celebrations this past July—one, attended by 250 people, at Good Samaritan Towers in Olathe, an independent living community where she lived for many years, and a private affair for about 35 family members from near and far.

Recent health issues have necessitated that Barmby make a transition to living at the Good Samaritan Society–Olathe, a skilled nursing facility. She has made that change with a remarkably positive, upbeat attitude.

"My extended family often tell me I am always optimistic and looking toward tomorrow," said Barmby, who plans to dictate stories and anecdotes into a tape recorder to help track her rich life experiences for her family.

"I am also looking forward to placing a bird feeder outside my window so I can attract small birds to enjoy their beauty," said Barmby. "There is so much beauty in this world!"