BI woman turns 107
Published 1:30 am Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Jean Wohlsen, one of the oldest living residents on Bainbridge Island, celebrated her 107th birthday April 17 with friends and family at The Madison house.
Jillian Copeland, a resident care coordinator, created a shadow box with a collection of Wohlsen’s favorite brooches and photos to display. “It’s something to celebrate. It’s amazing!”
Copeland said her favorite thing about Jean is, “She’s so gracious. and she wakes up every day with a huge smile.”
Jean’s son, Robert, was there to mark the birthday and said his mother didn’t espouse any secrets to longevity but did reveal the most unusual thing about her is, “She didn’t eat butter; she’s always been that way.”
Robert said when she was younger, she taught Sunday school. Later, she worked at the Senior Center, teaching various classes. “She’s strong-minded, and she spent a lot of time helping others in her life.”
Bainbridge Senior Living executive director Kori Duncan said it’s fun for staff, “To hear the best parts of their life from the past, and to know what it took them to get to this point in life and all the adventures they’ve had.”
