October 24, 2023 (North Chili, NY) ─ Loretta Welch recently celebrated her milestone birthday, but the centenarian said she feels more like 90-years-old!

“I took care of myself,” said the resident of Westwood Commons, a DePaul Senior Living Community in North Chili. “No smoking, no drinking.”

If she had to do it all over again, Loretta said, she wouldn’t change a thing.

Born on October 5 in 1923, Loretta grew up on Glide Street in Rochester during the Depression. A member of the National Honor Society, she graduated from Madison High School in 1941 and went to work at Metal Arts making insignia for soldiers’ uniforms during World War II. Loretta and her husband John O. Welch were married for 35 years and had three daughters and one son together.

After her youngest child entered fourth-grade, Loretta went back to work for Philips Glass at Greece Ridge Mall and later Monroe Community Bank. John passed away at the age of 62.

Westwood Common Marketing Director William Ficarra said it was fascinating listening to Loretta’s stories about growing up!

“When someone has lived through 100 years, you can learn so much from them,” he said.

A grandmother of six and great-grandmother of four, Loretta said her biggest accomplishment in life has been her family. She moved to Westwood Commons earlier this year where she enjoys reading, listening to music and doing puzzles. Westwood Commons Administrator Julie Kornow said Loretta “brings a positive outlook to the community.”

“Everyone is so nice to me,” Loretta said. “I really loved my birthday party. Now I have to send thank you cards!”

Loretta is pictured above at her birthday party joined by her daughter Sue Lawrence, son Dave Welch and wife Julie, and her cousin John Fleig. Entertainment was provided by musical duo Standard Time.

For more information about Westwood Commons, please contact Administrator Julie Kornow at jkornow@depaul.org or Marketing Director William Ficarra at wficarra@depaul.org, call (585) 293-2060 or visit us on Facebook.