Margaret and Austin Mallinger’s family celebrate Margaret’s 92nd birthday outside Cerenity Marian of St. Paul April 3. COURTESY CERENITY MARIAN

Margaret Mallinger turned 92 this month, and her family was determined to wish her well, despite restrictions at the senior living complex that are in place to protect residents and staff from the coronavirus.

Margaret, and her husband, Austin, regularly attend Mass at Cerenity Marian. Family members often come to celebrate the liturgy with them.
This time, the family couldn’t enter the facility. But young and old, they came bearing home made signs, birthday treats and a bouquet of flowers April 3. Some wore cloth masks to guard against any transmission of the virus as they gathered outside of Cerenity Marian in St. Paul and wished Margaret a happy birthday outside the facility.
Margaret and Austin watched through a window, smiled and enjoyed the day.