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Jenny Romanelli - 105 years young
(by Kathryn A. Burger - September 10, 2008)
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Photo Courtesy Of Jean Nicholich
Jenny Romanelli recently celebrated her 105th birthday. Among those celebrating with her were, from left, standing, Linda Clemente, her granddaughter, (daughter of Jean and Nick Nicholich, of Montvale); son-in-law Nick Nicholich; and Dana and John Nicolich, her grandson and his wife. Left of Jenny is her daughter, Jean Nicholich, and Chris Maurer, the Nicholich’s son-in-law.
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Jean Nicolich describes her mother, Jenny Romanelli, as “fiercely independent, headstrong, and very healthy.” Most would like those attributes ascribed to them when they reach 80. Jenny Romanelli, though, is 105.
At that age, those qualities are prerequisites for the life that Jenny Romanelli has maintained. She lives – alone – in Astoria,
Queens . Her daughter said she’s lived there for 55 years. She does stay with her daughter for a week or so at a time, she but she prefers to be at home in
Queens . It wasn’t until she was 100 that she began using a walker. And, her daughter said, she takes no medications.
Nicholich said she has asked her mother many times to come and live with her and her husband, Nick, in their home in Montvale, but she refuses, preferring to visit them.
Her daughter visits her frequently in
Queens and doesn’t mind the “commute” at all – she’s been doing it for decades. While she would love to have her mother move to Montvale, she understands her determination to be independent for as long as she can.
Jenny Romanelli’s only “concession” to her age is an aide that comes to her home in
Queens every morning for a few hours. She helps with chores around the house and some meal preparation, but other than that, she’s on her own. And that’s just the way she wants it.
Kathryn A. Burger's e-mail address is burger@northjersey.com.
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