62°F
weather icon Mostly Cloudy

Centenarian feted on birthday

For many people in Boulder City, Monday was just another day. For Dorothy Burns, it was something special because she celebrated her 103rd birthday.

“It’s very special,” said Dale Leonard, who is married to Burns’ granddaughter, Denise Leonard.

Described as a gracious and caring lady by her granddaughter, Burns moved to Boulder City a little more than two years ago. Up until then she lived on her own and even drove until she was 100 years old.

“We love this place,” said Denise Leonard. “She seems to be really thriving here.”

To mark the occasion, Mary Rush, administrator of Lakeview Terrace, the assisted living facility where Burns lives, organized a surprise drive-by celebration.

Burns said she was “very surprised.”

“I wasn’t expecting anything,” she said.

“Grandma doesn’t like us to fuss over her,” said Denise Leonard.

“But she loves it when it happens,” added her son, Speed Burns.

“Very few people reach 103,” he said. “She still seems kind of spry and she still reads a lot.”

In her spare time, Dorothy Burns enjoys reading mysteries, especially those written by Margaret Truman. She also enjoys watching hockey, football, baseball and NASCAR. She loves following the Las Vegas Golden Knights and the Olympics.

She is from New York and worked as a clerk in a prison while she lived there.

Dorothy Burns said her favorite part of celebrating her birthday is seeing her family. She raised three sons with her husband, who died more than 30 years ago. She has six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Denise Leonard said her grandmother has survived some major illnesses in her life.

“In her early years, she had scarlet fever, mumps, whooping cough and measles,” she said. “She figures having had everything at an early age, this made her impervious to illnesses in later life.”

She said she also survived metastatic melanoma when she was 100.

Contact reporter Celia Shortt Goodyear at cgoodyear@bouldercityreview.com or at 702-586-9401. Follow her on Twitter @csgoodyear.

MOST READ
LISTEN TO THE TOP FIVE HERE
THE LATEST
Rating reflects teachers’ commitment and determination of students

There’s no better way to begin this school year than by celebrating a truly incredible accomplishment of Garrett Junior High School officially earning a 5-Star school rating. This distinction represents the highest level of achievement under Nevada’s School Performance Framework and recognizes not only strong academic performance, but also growth, teamwork, and a positive school culture.

Everything from A to Z available at Country Store

Whether you call it a garage sale, yard sale or tag sale, Grace Community Church’s Country Store is one of the largest of its kind in the area.

Homecoming: Small town tradition

There’s something special about Homecoming in Boulder City.

Student achievement main focus at Mitchell

Mitchell Elementary has enjoyed a great beginning to our school year as our staff continues to serve our students and families as their children learn and grow their leadership skills.

What is a PSA test and why you need one

PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is a protein produced by the prostate gland, which is found in small amounts in the blood. The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test is a blood test used to screen for prostate health and to help detect prostate cancer.

Wurst Fest kicks off fall event season

For nearly three decades it kicks off a very busy event season in Boulder City; one that goes up into the holidays.

Chugging Along

Photos by Ron Eland/Boulder City Review

Class In Session: Bobcats hit the ground running

The 2025-2026 school year is off to an exciting start at Garrett Junior High School. From impressive academic growth to new STEAM classes, our Bobcats are showing what it means to learn, lead, and succeed.

BCHS going strong at 85

The 2025–26 school year is off to a fantastic start at Boulder City High School.

Falls at home place seniors at significant risk

We may crack up watching slip and fall accidents on TikTok or “America’s Funniest Home Videos”, but in real life, especially for seniors, it’s no laughing matter.