By Beverly J. Clark, Publicity Director
Email: Beverly.Clark@RLACEI.org
Carrie’s Corner
Carrie A. Gabriel began working for the City in 1946 and retired in 1978. She celebrated her 100th birthday in 2022. With all the wisdom, experiences and changes she has seen throughout the 20th and now 21st centuries, we thought it would be interesting to get her perspective on various topics of the day. If any reader is interested in her opinion or viewpoint on a certain topic, please contact Beverly Clark at Beverly.Clark@RLACEI.org.
I asked Carrie for an update on her incredible life. Here’s her report:
“Well, here it is January 2024! I would have never dreamed of reaching this milestone in my life. and I know that I am blessed. I am looking forward to, with anticipation, reaching my 102nd birthday at the end of this month, January 28. People continue to ask what is my secret. I can only say that I have tried to live a good life helping others wherever I can and trying to be kind wherever I can. I have been blessed to meet a lot of wonderful people along my journey.
“Last year, 2023, was not such a good year for me, I was devastated by the sudden death of my only son in July shortly after his birthday. He had been my support in so many ways, especially my emotional support. So, it has been very difficult to adjust without him. I am grateful that I have friends that have stepped in to help. My advice to Retirees is to make it a priority to stay socially engaged with others. When I was younger, in my 80s and early 90s, I was active with four senior centers and did volunteer work with Oasis in Westwood, which was a resource for seniors to travel and stay socially active.
“Since the pandemic, I have been visiting healthcare providers more often than I visit or see my friends. While I am doing my best to maintain my health, it has become increasingly difficult due to the bureaucratic hurdles I have to go through to get certain medical procedures approved by my healthcare provider. I often joke that it’s not my fault that I’m more than 100 years old!
“Though I am looking forward to my birthday and feel privileged to have experienced so many things in life and seen so many things, I do miss my son.
“I wish everyone a wonderful New Year, filled with good cheer and people in your life who bring you joy and laughter.”
Happy 102nd Birthday
Please join the RLACEI Board of Directors in wishing Carrie a very happy and blessed 102nd birthday. You may send well wishes directly to Carrie at cgabriel18@roadrunner.com or post on RLACEI’s Facebook page.
