At one of our recent monthly member meetings at the Hermann Sons Hall, I started a conversations (using my rusty German) with Ruth, 93, who had just flown in from Berlin to celebrate her mother Ilsa’s birthday. I had to break into English to make sure I had understood correctly. Yes, her mother’s birthday!!! Her mother, Ilsa, was born before the 1st world war and will hopefully be turning 114 on March 14th 2026. She lives in Cotati, and is one of the oldest Americans alive.
Interestingly Ruth and her mother Ilsa were separated for 34 years—Ruth in East Germany behind the Iron Curtain after the Berlin Wall was erected in 1961.
Hearing their story bridged history and place, reminding me of the depth of connection we encounter in our own community.
As I write she is officially the 9th oldest person alive in the world and the 3rd oldest person alive in the US.
Here’s a link to the official page about Ilsa:
https://longeviquest.com/supercentenarian/ilse-meingast/