SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — A metro Atlanta woman who survived the Spanish flu celebrated her 105 birthday this week during yet another pandemic.
Peggy Cobb was born in 1915 and now lives at the Hammond Glen Retirement Community in Sandy Springs. She was 3 years old during the last great worldwide pandemic, which lasted from 1918-1919.
Cobb's friends and family weren't about to let yet another pandemic take away from celebrating her big milestone birthday, even though Hammond Glen residents are quarantined.
On Friday, friends, family and staff hosted a Hawaiian-themed celebration including a drive-by birthday party for Cobb. Activity Director April Parker told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that about 10 family members ran up to greet Cobb in front of the building.
Wearing a mask and a flower crown, Cobb enjoyed a cake, music and socially distant visits with the people who love her.
Cobb told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that actually, she thinks of the pandemic as a blessing in disguise.
She said her computer has been her lifeline while she's separated from her family.
“I think it’s an exciting time to be living,” Cobb said. "We’re going to learn a lot from this, not being able to communicate like usual. This virus thing has turned all of our lives upside down. You accept and you cope however well you can.”
Cobb said her computer has been her lifeline and allowed her not only to keep up with family members, but also explore the world.
"There's so much to living," Cobb said. “There’s so much to explore in space and on earth and under the seas and all around the world. I just feel inspired and upbeat.”
Cobb was married to her husband for 59 years and has lived through 18 U.S. presidents.