Niles woman celebrates 100th birthday
LaVerna Wissert was born on Aug. 19, 1914, to Walter and Alice Wissert in Chicago. She is oldest of three children. One of her fondest memories is taking care of her siblings June Alicia and Walter Jr. In fact, her favorite childhood memory is when her sister June Alicia was born.
Growing up LaVerna, saw many things happen in the world. She was an infant during World War I and lived through the Great Depression and World War II. She would see more wars and history being made during her life. Horse and buggy was still being used in the country as the automobile was starting to make more of an appearance, something that LaVerna is still doing today - driving a car.
Although, she never married, she helped nurture and care for her family until they all passed. She worked with her sister in a research office and moved into her parents' home in Niles in 1950 to help take care of her mother. She remains in that same home today.
She enjoys painting with acrylics, which she took up approximately, 25 years ago due to an injury in her hand and wrist. Painting was a form of physical therapy to help her to heal. She would also paint the outside of gift bags when it was time for a birthday or holiday for her family members. Her family looked forward to receiving a gift bag instead of the gift inside, as LaVerna, would joke.
LaVerna, remains active today and stated that the secret to staying young is "to not stress over anything and don't let it get to you." She enjoys looking at her roses and listening to big band music while doing word puzzles. When asked, "What do you miss about the past?" Her reply was "the simplicity!"
She is currently a guest at The Claremont of Hanover Park doing rehab on an injury. Her goal is to return home and continue her everyday life. The folks at Claremont of Hanover Park, want to wish LaVerna, the very best Happy Birthday. They are happy to have met LaVerna and are honored to share this milestone with her.
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