Friends since birth celebrate 101st birthdays together

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - After a century of friendship, two best friends are celebrating another milestone together - their 101st birthdays.

Dorothy Friedmiller and Anna Oschman were born 27 days apart in 1923.

“Mom and Dorothy played together. They went to school together, and they lived next door to each other in the country,” said Anna’s daughter, Sandi.

Over the past century they’ve lived through the Great Depression, World War II, 9/11, and a worldwide pandemic - together.

Dorothy even met a celebrity or two along the way.

“One time this guy came up to Dorothy and asked her to dance, and it was Clint Eastwood, and mom’s like ‘are you kidding, Dorothy? Why didn’t you marry him?’ and Dorothy’s like ‘He wasn’t very good looking,’” said Sandi.

Now a century of laughs later, they’re still hand in hand at their 101 Dalmatians themed birthday party.

Going along with the theme, the local fire department even brought in a real Dalmatian, named Siren.

Although it may seem over the top to some, Sandi says they’ll never know when it’ll be the last birthday they get to celebrate.

“My mom expects to live to be 103 for sure. Dorothy I’m not so sure about,” said Sandi.

After a century of friendship though, their families say nothing can keep them apart.

“It’s so heartwarming for me. I love both of them so much it makes me cry,” said Sandi.

Anna’s birthday is June 5, and Dorothy’s was May 9.