Our Hometown
|
|
Today marks the 100th birthday celebration for a popular resident at Armstrong Senior Living, Grace Stell. Grace was born in Ontario, NY on October 2, 1899 and lived there a large part of her unmarried life. President Woodrow Wilson is the first president she remembers. Her neighbor owned the first car in Ontario. It was a Rambler, and she got to ride in it. She graduated from Wellesley College in 1921. After graduation, she taught algebra and geometry at Fayetteville High School. While living with, and helping her brother raise two children, she met Leon Stell and married him in 1928. They settled down in Newark and had four children. They bought a large home on Miller Street. Her husband died in 1969. When it was time for her children to go to college, she turned the top floor of her home into apartments, to earn extra money. She feels rich in the happiness of her loving family. She has 10 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Her family will be hosting a family party for her today at Armstrong. She loves to keep busy and still knits and sews. Mrs. Stell has many interesting items in her room, such as a picture of the oldest tree in the world, a Sequoia, and many family photographs. In 1971 she attended her 50-year class reunion. In 1972 she and a classmate decided to visit England and Scotland for six weeks. She believes that things happen for a reason and has accepted what trials have come her way. I asked her to what she attributes her long, healthy life. She said, "Look forward to every day and, just keep on breathing." She also believes good genes play a large part in how long you live. What should young women do to improve their future? "Have a good education, and equally or more important, have a good attitude. That means a lot. Be optimistic; expect the best not the worst in life. Look forward." She met some remarkable people in her college years, some were speakers, and some were teachers. She learned something from every one. "Look for variety and change. Greet the unknown with a cheer, be ready for change. It is great." Grace Stell is a sharp, articulate woman, who always looks on the bright side of life. She sees a glass half-full and never half-empty. Happy Birthday, Grace. Copyright © 1999 |
      Ads have a Patent Pending. Click Here for More Information  |
Salute to Grace Stell on her 100th