While the thought of growing old is frightening to some, it is often said that the alternative is much worse. To reach 100 is an extraordinary gift, and those who do it usually have equally extraordinary stories to tell. Meet Ruth, Elizabeth, Angie and Theresa, four captivating women who prove that 100 is a milestone worth celebrating.
Ruth K. Van Leer, 101
Country Meadows, Allentown
What advice would you give to someone in their twenties?
I would tell them to first go to school and get an excellent education. Then, get a good job so you can take care of yourself and your loved ones. Work hard but also be sure to take vacation, travel and discover all the wonderful experiences that this world offers. Be healthy. If someone offers you a cigarette, just say “NO.” When you encounter difficulties and life gets tough, keep on pushing forward—never give up. Have fun.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Working as a timekeeper at the Sunoco Marcus Hook refinery. When WWII began and the men were enlisting into the service, the refinery needed women to take [what were] traditionally men's jobs. I applied right away and was hired as the refinery timekeeper. My girlfriends at the refinery and I were proud to be the first women at the refinery in these new roles and proud to make our contributions to the war effort. I never looked back, and I worked at the refinery for over ten years until
my daughter was born.
What do you like to do in your free time?
When I was younger, I liked many activities that are not possible for me to do now. I bowled with several teams, spent weekends at the Jersey shore, walked for exercise and traveled all over the USA and in Italy with family and friends.
I still like to do cryptograms. Every day, I solve the Philadelphia Inquirer cryptogram. A fellow at the refinery showed me how to do them. When I moved to Allentown, I taught my daughter. Now, we work on the daily cryptogram together. I am good getting them started and she helps with the longer words.
I also like to walk as much as I can and ride the exercycle several times a week. I join in Country Meadows activities—exercise classes, weekly bingo, singing hymns, music performances in the living room. I like to go on the special trips that Country Meadows organizes—lunch out at local restaurants, day at the seashore, trips to the Sands in Bethlehem, Kutztown festival, museum visits, to name a few.
Do you have any favorite quotes?
“I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show; let me do it now. For I shall not pass this way again.”
What was your greatest love?
My daughter. She is my only child and was born when I was just about 40 years old. She lives just a few minutes away. Now that she has retired from her job, we go shopping, out to lunch, take trips back to Springfield and just spend time together. She joins me on many of the Country Meadows special trips. We are both having fun.
Do you have any vices?
I have always enjoyed going to the casino. I like playing the slots. When AC opened casinos, I took bus trips for the day. I also vacationed in Las Vegas. Now, I go to the Sands on a Country Meadows trip or with my daughter. I also like to bet on the horses. When I lived in Springfield, my friends and I would go to Delaware Park every week for lunch and horse racing during the summer season.
Do you have any regrets?
I regret that I can't drive a car anymore. Ever since you could buy new cars again after WWII, I had many Chevrolets—a beautiful two-toned 1957 Chevy, some Oldsmobiles and my last car was a Buick. My driver's license was good until I turned 100, but when I moved to Allentown at 98, I sold my car and stopped driving. I loved the freedom to jump into the car and go shopping or just for a ride. Now, I go on the Saturday morning country ride in the van, and my daughter drives me around too.
Theresa J. Roth, 105
Westminster Village, Allentown
What advice would you give to someone in their twenties?
Always try and do the best you can. Also, always tell the truth.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Raising my three children—two boys and a girl.
Do you have any vices?
No. I would never do anything to hurt someone else.
Do you have any favorite quotes?
I always say, "Never lie or be mean to anyone."
What was your greatest love?
My husband of 30 years.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy participating in the daily activities offered by Westminster Village.
Do you have any regrets?
I have no regrets.
Angela V. Fleck, 103
Westminster Village, Allentown
What advice would you give to someone in their twenties?
Stay in the United States because there are more opportunities to become who you want to be.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Meeting and getting to know my sister Theresa. We have been attached ever since. (Theresa lived with their grandparents in Austria until she was 13.)
What do you like to do in your free time?
I don't have a lot of free time, but I enjoy talking to people.
Do you have any favorite quotes?
I always say we would need two more lives to live in order to accomplish everything we want.
Do you have any vices?
No. I always tried to put others straight and not do anything dumb.
What was your greatest love?
babies.
Do you have any regrets?
I regret nothing and think everyone should take on as many opportunities that come their way.
Elizabeth Fegley, 102
The David A. Miller Personal Care Community, Phoebe, Allentown
What advice would you give to someone in their twenties?
You should have respect for everybody. When we respect one another, we get along with each other better. People should obey their parents and listen to their parents. They should do good in school and educate themselves. When they get an opportunity to get a good education, take it. Don't be lazy; go to work. Don't expect your parents to take care of you all the time; help to take care of your parents. Kids today think parents have to do everything for them. Even after they are married, they expect them to help. All my children have graduated from college; my two granddaughters graduated summa cum laude, one from Virginia Tech and the other from James Madison [University]. One is a lawyer and the other a CPA in Washington.
Do you have any vices?
Food, a good glass of wine and good friends. I hate clothing shopping but love food shopping.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Having my son. He played baseball for a year with the St. Louis Cardinals. When he was going to college the first year, the Boston Red Sox asked him to sign up but I wouldn't sign the papers. I wanted him to go to college. At Penn State he was an All-American in baseball.
What do you like to do in your free time?
My hobby was reading. I liked history, especially books about Native Americans in the United States. I played cards. Pinochle is interesting. You had to think. I am not reading as much [anymore], except large print and about three to eight pages at a time. I liked to go out to eat with friends—have a good meal and a good drink. But, friends are all gone and I'm still here. I never cared for bingo but it is a good pastime here at Phoebe. You don't have to think with bingo. I like Miller Time (which is a social hour in the Miller Building) when we get together and talk about different things. It usually relates to a holiday and how it started. I like the discussions we have. I still learn how different we all are.
Do you have any favorite quotes?
Be true to yourself. When I say something, it's truthful; I'm not making up a story. I don't like lies…they have very short legs.
What was your greatest love?
All my friends going out together, having food and good drinks. FOOD. Risotto is my favorite, with spinach or asparagus… best of all was with chicken livers sautéed in onions. I never used a lot of spices except my own sage plant. I like zinfandel, Chianti and Italian food. Recipes were all in our head—they were not written down.
Do you have any regrets?
No. I didn't do anything to have regrets. If you behave yourself, do the right thing and mind your own business, you won't have regrets. If anybody asked me for advice, I'd tell them to do your own thinking and do your own thing. Otherwise, it will be my fault. Think for yourself.
