At nearly 105, she has more than a lifetime of stories to share

Two weeks ago, I mentioned in my column that 67,473 centenarians were living in the U.S. as of Nov. 1, 2005.

Little did I realize then that I would be meeting one of them in the next few days.

When I heard from Ernie Rodriguez, director of marketing for the Aegis Assisted Living Center in Ventura, that a resident at the facility would turn 105 years old June 16, I could hardly believe it.

But Natalie Oesch, who has indeed been on this earth 105 years, is a spry lady with white hair and a complexion that many Botox seekers would envy.

When I entered her living quarters, she was just waking up from her afternoon nap. I introduced myself and started asking questions.

Occasionally her memory will falter, but she hears well, speaks clearly and was delighted to have a visitor.

A petite woman, Oesch was born in Wiszogrodzka, Poland. The area where she lived was later claimed by the Germans, Russians and Poles, so she thinks of herself as a German/Russian/Pole.

Sponsored by a cousin who lived in Cleveland, Ohio, Oesch came to the U.S. at age 25 aboard the S.S. Leviathan. She worked as a beautician to support herself, then married Emil Brandt.

They had a son and lived on a 10-acre farm outside Twinsburg, Ohio. Sadly, Emil was killed in an automobile accident, but Oesch continued to work as a beautician and bring up her son.

After deciding that winters in Ohio were too harsh, and encouraged by friends, she moved out west to Santa Barbara. There, she met and married Oscar Oesch, who had worked for the Swiss Consulate.

After her second husband died, Oesch became a member of the Aegis Assisted Living Facility family in Ventura.

She's lived there for two years.

It's obvious that Oesch is loved by the staff at the Aegis and has made many friends there.

When people drop by her room to chat for a few minutes, she's always happy to share some thoughts with them.

Even though she uses a wheelchair, she is able to attend all Aegis social functions.

Oesch has a wonderful sense of humor. She recounted stories of her past that included a giggle or two. When asked for her recipe for living to a ripe old age, she said it was her abiding faith in God, a good diet and daily prayer.

She is meticulous about how she dresses, and although she cannot see her clothes clearly, she feels their outline to decide what is appropriate, and which accessories will match.

Oesch is never without her nylon stockings a lady always wears stockings, she said.

A family member decided to research records at Ellis Island to verify Oesch's age, and found that she was actually two years older than she claimed. Church and ship's records clearly indicated that she would be 105 years old on June 16, 2006.

The day won't pass without a celebration. In the morning, Aegis will release 105 balloons, followed by a full day of partying. Nicolo Amari, Aegis' executive director, said the mayor of Ventura is expected to attend.

When asked what her favorite meal was, Oesch said liver and onions, so that's what will be served, along with slices of a big birthday cake. Oesch's favorite entertainment, a Dixieland band, will provide the music.

A beautiful new dress will ensure that Oesch looks even smarter than usual.

Students from local schools, when told by their teachers about this remarkable woman, took it upon themselves to send her cards and drawings.

I can just imagine Oesch on her bed surrounded by these cards and flowers, enjoying every minute of it. Happy birthday, Natalie.

Long may you live.

Margaret Nesbitt is a Star columnist. She welcomes comments and suggestions about subjects of interest to seniors. They can be sent to Unlimited Horizons, c/o Karen Hibdon, Ventura County Star, P.O. Box 6711, Ventura CA 93006-6711.

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