105th birthday to be celebrated by Sequim woman
Helen Marie Gamroth is pictured at the age of 103 in this family photo provided by Pepper Gamroth. The Sequim woman will celebrate her 105th birthday Sunday.
By Rob Ollikainen
Peninsula Daily News
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Thirty to 35 people are expected to attend the low-key celebration, said Gamroth's daughter-in-law, Pepper Gamroth.
"She doesn't know what all the fuss is about," Pepper Gamroth said.
The bring-your-own-picnic party will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Guy Cole Convention Center at the Sequim park.
Sequim Mayor Pro-Tem Laura Dubois will present a proclamation from the city recognizing Helen Gamroth's longevity.
The family has received similar letters from President Barack Obama, Gov. Chris Gregoire and actress Betty White, Pepper Gamroth said.
Music and juggling
Musician Carlos Xavier and juggler-magician Jaye Butler are scheduled to perform at the picnic, which is one day after her real birthday on Saturday.
"It will be fun and low-key," Pepper Gamroth said.
"She is in brilliant health, her mind is sharp, but she is 105, and she can get overwhelmed."
Helen Gamroth lived in Wisconsin before moving to Sequim in 2004 to live with her son, Neil, and Pepper after a serious fall.
About a year ago, Helen moved to Sequim Health and Rehab Center. There, she starting doing physical therapy -- the first time that she has exercised on a regular basis.
"She would put bacon grease on toast," Pepper Gamroth said.
"You can't serve her food without the salt shaker. . . . She exercises like crazy now for the first time in her life."
Helen Gamroth keeps her mind sharp by reading books and doing crossword puzzles. She reads so fast that Pepper Gamroth struggles to keep enough books in stock.
Helen Gamroth's case is part of a centenarian study at the Boston University, Pepper Gamroth said.
Several people in her German-Polish family have lived to be 100, which piqued the interest of the scientists.
"My guess is the genes have got a lot of do with it, based on circumstantial evidence at this point that seems to lead to that," Neil Gamroth said.
When Helen Gamroth missed four questions on a 50-question quiz for the study, "it bugged her to no end," Pepper Gamroth recalled.
Helen called the researchers back within hours to report the correct answers.
Enjoys her days
These days, Helen Gamroth enjoys playing bingo at the senior center and trips to the casino.
She exercises on a machine in the mornings, walks around the facility and pushes other seniors to supper in their wheelchairs, Neil Gamroth said.
Based on their conversations with doctors and nurses, the Gamroths believe that Helen is the oldest person in the Sequim area, Neil Gamroth said.
Helen has three children, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
Last modified: July 16. 2010 12:52AM
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