Thelma Gerspach celebrated her 101st birthday recently
Thelma Gerspach celebrated her 101st birthday on Oct. 7, at her church, Otterbein United Methodist Church in Martinsburg, W.Va., with family members. She was happy that all six grandchildren attended.
Gerspach was born in Easton, Pa., on October 9, 1922. After she married in 1942, she moved to Phillipsburg, N.J., and raised a family. She worked in a sewing factory for 19 years.
After she retired, she and her husband moved to Martinsburg around 1986 to be closer to her daughter Karen Matson in Keedysville.
During this time, she was very busy with her vegetable and flower gardens. Her favorite flowers are zinnias, which she gave away to friends and neighbors.
She started volunteering as soon as she moved to Martinsburg. She was involved with Meals on Wheels for more than 30 years and took line dancing at the Berkeley Senior Center in Martinsburg.
She participated in Rose Caudell’s plastic fashion shows for years. Helped out with Day of Caring and is a member of Fairview Home Makers now known as CEO. For years, she exercised at the Berkeley County Recreational Center called Silver Sneakers.
She started knitting in the 1940s. About four years ago, she started making newborn hats for Meritus Hospital, Berkeley Medical Center and several local doctor’s offices. She gave hats to elementary schools in Martinsburg, Boonsboro and Sharpsburg, as well as the Boy and Girls Club. At her church she knitted hats and booties for the children at Christmastime.
Thelma is still active and busy. She stopped driving at age 98. Every day she is knitting and reading. About two years ago she moved in with her daughter after a fall. She helps out with house chores and cooking.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Thelma Gerspach celebrated her 101st birthday recently
