Woman spends 102nd birthday at daughter’s East Hills home

Adam Lidgett

Most people don’t believe they could ever reach their own centennial, let alone make it past 100 years old. 

But on Christmas Day 2014, Syde Zwern, a resident of Grace Plaza Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, turned 102 years old and celebrated the occasion at her daughter’s home in East Hills, according to a release from the center.

Zwern said she doesn’t  think about her age, according to a release from the Grace Plaza Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

“I just do what I have to do and try to be thankful for all I have,” Zwern said

Zwern, who was born in Queens on Dec. 25, 1912 to Jacob and Celia Olch, stays young by staying active at the center, located at 15 Saint Pauls Place, said Gina Irwin, marketing specialist for the center. 

Irwin said she participates in many of the center’s programs. 

“She loves reading,” Irwin said. “She read books all the time, and we have entertainment, and kids come in, and we have games.”

Zwern married her husband Louis in 1942, and raised two daughters, Jacqueline and Reina in, Queens, the release said. Louis died of cancer in 1986, Irwin said. Her daughter Jacqueline also died, but Zwern said she doesn’t remember when since she said doesn’t like to think about it. 

Zwern went to East Hills to celebrate her birthday at Reina’s home with her six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, the release said. 

Irwin said Zwern is in good health, can walk and is very alert and active.

“She’s so alert I can’t even tell you,” Irwin said. “She’s amazing.” 

Share this Article