Dear Readers,
You are about to delve into a collection of stories from some of the world's most seasoned souls–centenarians and supercentenarians who have weathered a century of both sorrow and success.
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My 100-Year-Old Friends – In Their Words recollects firsthand accounts from some of the oldest people in the world. By interviewing remarkable people from all walks of life–including an Omaha Beach survivor, a vacuum salesman, and a world traveler– this nonfiction work features nine individuals with strong voices who have lived through a century of tragedies and triumphs. It is the first book in the series and is available today in complete form.
​​Chapter summaries
In Chapter 1, Supercentenarian Morrie Markoff (110) reflects on his rough East Harlem roots, his long marriage, and the impressive titles of “America’s oldest man,” "Oldest blogger in the world," and "Oldest Jew in the World." Morrie, the most senior gentleman in America when I began his profile, had spent his life peddling vacuums, crafting stories with his pen, and astonishing the internet as the globe's eldest blogger. He was married to Betty for an astounding 80 years.
Chapter 2 follows Supercentenarian Mary Ransopher (112) from birth (eight months after the Titanic disaster in 1912) to 112. Her Quaker family settled among the Indiana sticks once inhabited by the original settlers, the Miami Indians. At the age of 82, Mary took a tumble from the highest branches of an apple tree, yet not a bone in her body was broken. By 94, she underwent gallbladder surgery, and, in a tragic turn of events, her left eye gave way. Mary and Marland were married for 70 years, 10 months, and 17 days.
The other chapters feature individuals like Hellen Guthrie (107), a Navy veteran who helped decipher German codes. In the Navy, Hellen found herself part of a ground-breaking division called WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). It was there that she dedicated her days to helping the U.S. unravel the intricate codes of German messages. She was also her husband Ralph's steadfast companion for over 62 years.
Frank Swingle (102), a veteran, was an avid golfer. He drove his precious Cadillac until he reached 98. Frank grew up in San Diego, California, and in the Coachella Valley, where his father, Tenney, spent his days delving into the intricate world of date palm cultivation. Frank led a long and fruitful life as an engineer. He was passionate about golf and, made a hole-in-one at 93. He shared his life with Mary Appel, who was his constant companion for 68 years.
Charles Fromer (102) is a WWII Omaha Beach survivor during the United States’ involvement in the Normandy invasion in France. He found solace in the rhythmic swing of a golf club. Life wasn’t kind to him early on; he lost his mother when he was just 10 in a heart-wrenching train accident. He was married to Mary for 68 years.
Sue Guest (101), keeper of 600 clocks, has a family history marred by tragedy–her brother and mother took their lives, and her brother killed his wife before taking his life. Sue's mother was adopted at forty by a wealthy German banker. Her grandfather worked as a fireman, conductor, freight engineer, and passenger engineer at the Wabash Railroad Company.
Barbara Smith (101) grew up in Amityville, admitting she was a difficult, self-centered teenager. Despite her mother’s disapproval, she became an accomplished musician, skilled in piano and guitar. Barbara lived nomadically with her WWII pilot husband, Al, for a decade. Determined to stay aware of and involved in what’s happening when she dies, Barbara offers a poignant perspective on aging, death, and dignity.
Rita Wells (101) served three federal judges and discovered her fairytale romance at 69 with a WWII pilot. Her journey spans career, family, and aging. With humor and honesty, she faces mortality head-on, drawing strength from her community and cherished messages in her Memory Book. A moving tribute to resilience and grace.
Rosemary Westbrook (100) recalls a rich family history from Ohio farms to Florida hurricanes. Her grandfather, a violin-making carpenter, shaped her early life. Her father, Jack, a performer and adventurer, left home young, chasing music and gold. Rosemary grew up during the Depression, loved school, met her husband Calvin at vocational school, and lived through times both turbulent and beautiful.
My 100-Year-Old Friends contains several great love stories and a few dreams cut short. These raw, intimate narratives stay as close to each subject’s voice as possible (think: Studs Terkel’s Working with near-verbatim text) and give readers a unique perspective on a century of human endurance.
As a seasoned journalist passionate about older people, this book culminates Gerry's 50 years of writing into the project of a lifetime.
Dig in, you will enjoy reading about the lives of these centenarians.