It is a unique distinction to live to be 100 years old. Rose, a 101 year old resident of the Villa at Waterside Retirement Estates in Sarasota, FL could tell you what it’s like to be a centenarian. So could her sister Ruth, who is 104. Her 110 year old sister Rubye might know a thing about it as well. Rose and her sisters are well aware of how remarkable it is that they are still alive, and they want to make sure they get to see each other one last time.
Rose grew up on a farm in rural Oklahoma alongside her three sisters and three brothers. As children, they were always busy helping their parents on the farm. Eventually, Rose moved away to Arkansas for a period of time. Some time after, she was offered a job with the Treasury Department in Washington, DC. While working in DC, Rose met her future husband, Eugene, an MIT educated chemical engineer and Lieutenant in the Army. After Rose and Eugene had two children together, Rose transitioned out of the workforce and spent her time as a homemaker. Her daughter, Janet, said her mother always kept busy, whether it was participating in numerous garden clubs, volunteering at the church, doing seamstress work, or cooking up some of her favorite recipes.
Rose’s family is extremely tight knit. She keeps in regular contact with her sister Ruth who lives in Tulsa, OK but it is hard for her to keep in touch with her sister Rubye in Rhode Island, who is 110 years old and not in the best health. Rose and her sisters had not all been together since Rubye’s 100th birthday over ten years ago.
Wish of a Lifetime and Brookdale were honored to reunite these “Centennial Sisters” on April 10th, 2014. The reunion was filled with plenty of tears and smiles. The incredible reconnection found a place in the hearts of many, including readers of People magazine, among others. The day after was a celebration with extended family—including five-month old Leela, Rose’s first great-grandchild. Wish of a Lifetime’s founder Jeremy Bloom was also there to share in this momentous occasion. The sisters are still glowing from their trip.
