What Lives They Lived?

This week while I was researching through the newspaper microfilm for obituaries and funeral announcements, I happened upon an article titled: “Woman’s Funeral Held, Was 105 Years Old.” I thought with the recent passing of Sister Andre this past Tuesday, who was 118 and the world’s oldest known person, this article is more relevant than ever.

Mrs. Tekla Nienajadlo née Przybyla – widow of Antoni – passed away on December 6, 1955 and was survived by her four stepdaughters and stepson. Mrs Nienajadlo was, according to the Fall River Herald News, “believed to have been Fall River’s oldest resident.” The article goes on to explain that she “was born in Poland in October 1850 and lived in Fall River 50 years.” She is interred at Notre Dame Cemetery.

It is truly remarkable to think about what these women must have experienced, and the technological changes they witnessed, throughout their long lives.

Does it not make one wonder. What is the key to longevity?