there for 19 years,” Diane ….

there for 19 years,” Diane recalls.

“Taking care of those old people,” Bernice says about her nursing home days.

On Sept. 11, 2001, they were at the Rib River Ballroom celebrating Bernice’s 80th birthday when the world was rocked by the terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C.

Thankfully, Bernice doesn’t remember much about that day, though Diane recalls seeing cars lined up at the gas station in Edgar, as residents prepared for a possible gasoline shortage.

Bernice and her family have not let that tragic day 20 years ago redefine her birthday. Sept. 11, 1904, also happens to be the day her parents got married, so it’s a significant date for her in more ways than one.

Albert died in 1987 at the age of 78, and six years ago, Bernice moved out of her home on Sycamore and into The Waterford. Diane points out that her mother, the lifelong cook, doesn’t mind having someone else make her meals for her.

“She loves the food here,” Diane said.

When she first moved in, her mother would “practically run” to get her food when meal time came up, Diane said.

“If they bring something I don’t like, I can get something else,” Bernice said. “It’s a good place. I’m happy here.”

Longevity appears to run in the family, as her first cousin, Delbert Denzine, lived to be 102 and her sister was 99-1/2 when she died.

Bernice has amassed quite a living legacy, which includes 10 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, eight great-greatchildren and two great-great-step children.

And, through it all, Bernice has never lost her sense of rhythm.

“She played drums about two years ago,” Diane recalls. “Richie Yurkovich was here, and they let her play the drums.”

Looking back, Bernice doesn’t seem to have many complaints about her century of living.

“I had a pretty exciting life, didn’t I?” she asks, knowing the answer is yes.