Mercedes Schappler (center) with her children, from left, Paul Schappler, Mark Schappler, Joseph Schappler, Philip Schappler, Rita Banatwala, Mary Young and Nancy Morris. Courtesy photo

NASHUA – More than 100 guests gathered at Mercedes Schappler’s home on Deerhaven Drive to celebrate her 100th birthday on Sept. 23.

Her son, Joseph Schappler, said his mother was born in Guttenberg, Iowa and clearly remembers the Great Depression and her two brothers, who fought in World War II.

Mercedes went on to become a pediatric nurse in 1946 and in 1953, she married her husband, John. They had seven children together and enjoyed 64 years of marriage.

Joseph said Mercedes also grew up with six siblings; however, she is the only one who is still living.

“It’s a big family,” he said, adding that his mother now has 24 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren with number 28 expected in December.

For 20 years, their family moved around to accommodate John’s job as a type designer. During those years, they lived in Iowa, Kentucky and Illinois before ultimately finding a home in Nashua in 1973.

Joseph said that despite the frequent moves and having seven children to care for, his mother always maintained her composure.

“I never heard her yell once in my life,” he said.

In order to have more time with her family, Mercedes put her nursing career on hold and went to work at a Montessori school. However, she could not stay away from nursing and returned to the medical field a few years later.

“Her love was nursing, without question,” said Joseph.

Mercedes ultimately retired as a hospice nurse at the age of 72.

In her retirement, Mercedes volunteered to give influenza vaccines at the Nashua Senior Activity Center.

“She always had the philosophy of a healthy mind and a healthy body,” said Joseph, adding that his mother continued to drive until she was 98.

Mercedes’ granddaughter, Joellyn Schappler, said her grandmother enjoys 1,000-piece puzzles and playing the piano — a skill she acquired as a teenager.

“She is truly one of the most special people I have ever met,” said Joellyn.