"Over the Hill" was the theme of Nellie Kendzierski's 90th birthday, but the honoree clearly didn't fit the description.
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Nellie is a spry, some might even say feisty woman, who keeps active with the September Days seniors and its Red Hat Society group, Women of Laughter and Fun.
"Keep active" is her simple recipe for longevity.
"I've had a lot of health problems, but I just live with them and I don't complain," she said, noting that she has had several surgeries and serious illnesses during the past several years.
Carol Shell, queen mother of the group, hosted the birthday party on Aug. 23, and attendees included fellow Red Hat members and many of Nellie's relatives.
"It's her nature to help out," Shell said. "She is always busy doing something, except for today. We told her she couldn't do any work during her birthday celebration."
Friends showered her with gifts, many of which featured the red-and-purple Red Hat colors. A decorated cake carried out the theme and Shell presented her with a novelty cake to add to the fun.
Her birth in 1918 was during the year that World War I ended and the worldwide influenza epidemic began. She has lived through the Great Depression, the Second World War and the Korean and Vietnam conflicts
On a more positive note, during Nellie's lifetime, most of the conveniences that we take for granted were developed - television, computers and microwave ovens plus such marvels as a moon landing and space exploration, all of which were beyond the realm of belief when Nellie was born.
Born, Aug. 27, 1918, on the east side of Detroit, Nellie has fond memories of growing up in the Chene-Forest area and attending dances at the Dom Polski hall. A lifelong polka fan, Nellie has been a member of the Polka Boosters for 28 years. Today, her interests include Red Hat activities, crocheting, crafts and cooking.
The Van Buren Township resdient retains her cooking skills, and her home-made pierogis, crepes and other Polish delicacies are favorites with her friends and family.
Nellie, who is a widow, is the mother of two sons and a daughter, grandmother of five and great-grandmother of two.
"I love fishing. My husband and I fished in four of the Great Lakes - Erie, Huron, Michigan and Superior. We also liked to travel," she said. "I enjoyed traveling, but I don't do much any more."
When asked if this was her biggest birthday celebration, Nellie replied that it was.
"I had a big party on my 80th, but this one was bigger," she said.
Mark Aug. 27, 2018 on your calendars, Nellie's party on that day should be a whopper!
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