LIVING A LONG LIFE

By LISA L. BELL

For these two ladies, it’s Birthday 101

The two Park Vista residents celebrated with other residents and guests.

YOUNGSTOWN — With both saying their long lives have been great, 101-year-olds Ruth Kyle and Clara Schafer said Friday afternoon’s birthday party at Park Vista Retirement Community, 1216 Fifth Ave., was just the icing on the cake.

The two were seated at the head table as special guests during a joint party also honoring seven others at the facility.

Schafer, whose birthday was on Dec. 4, and Kyle, whose birthday was Saturday, sat at the table with their caregivers. Both Schafer and Kyle were presented with their own cakes, each adorned with white icing and sweet red roses, and a large sheet cake was shared by the other residents and guests.

One chorus of “Happy Birthday” before blowing out the candles brought tears of joy to Kyle’s eyes. “Oh, thank you … thank you,” she said.

When told to make a wish, Schafer said, “Oh dear … I have so many wishes.”

Early lesson

Kyle, who is still in assisted living at Park Vista, has had a private caregiver for only the past three years. She has been a resident of Park Vista since 1982. She said she owes her long life to a good home, where she learned at an early age to get busy and help others.

Her private caregiver, Harietta Farmer, said Kyle is special and God has blessed her with a long life.

Kyle had taught school for 30 years before retiring in 1966 and was a member of John Knox Presbyterian Church for 87 years.

Public Relations Director Joan West explained that, although Kyle’s eyesight is weak, her spirit is strong. “She is always cheerful and has a special way of making others feel good,” she said.

According to West, although they both have private caregivers, neither Schafer nor Kyle has had to transfer from assisted living. “It’s amazing,” she said.

Coming in as the fourth resident of the original Park Vista facility, Kyle lived in her own apartment for several years.

West said that Kyle knew when she was ready to move to the other building, where meals and more help are provided. Although, she explained, residents who have their own apartments with private kitchens are welcome to join other residents in the large dining facility whenever they wish.

Credits her spouse

Schafer has been a resident of Park Vista since 1999. She explained that she owes her long life to having had a wonderful spouse. According to Schafer, she spent most of her life traveling with her husband, Kenneth. “We traveled all over the world on vacations and adventures,” she said. “I must have been a gypsy in another life.” Schafer said she began traveling at a very young age with her grandparents.

Although her parents did not live long lives, her great-grandmother lived to be 103.

Twice a week Schafer still joins her friends for a game of bridge, and although her children live out of town, they call her every evening. She also enjoys frequent phone calls from her grandchildren.

The celebration included decorations, singing, flowers and cake. Entertainment was provided by Don Donofrio.