As Helen Craig celebrated 105 years of life on Tuesday, Jan. 29, surrounded by family members, the longtime West University Place resident said seeing another year is a blessing and a source of wonder.
Born in Hamilton, Texas, in 1914, Craig was the eldest of three children. She moved to West University in 1948 and lived in the same home there until a few years ago when she moved to Belmont Village Senior Living West University.
Craig married her husband in 1939, and together they they had three children and owned Craig’s Cleaners until he passed away. She then ran the business for several years before retiring at age 70. Now, she has six grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Her family members helped her respond to questions in an interview on her birthday.
“No secrets … I just tried to live a good life, and I’m still fighting,” she said when asked what has kept her healthy and strong for so long.
Her daughter said in earlier years, her mom would have said hard work, avoiding drinking and smoking and eating healthy.
Craig added having good children probably didn’t hurt either. This brought a few jokes and laughs from them as they huddled around her in her apartment.
An enduring faith has also helped Craig. A member at West University Baptist Church for more than 65 years, she used to teach women there how to crochet and knit and help to plan day trips for senior adults.
Today, Craig said she is healthy, all things considered. Looking back, she is most thankful for her wonderful family.
She encouraged younger people to keep a good attitude and fully embrace their years on this earth.
“Try to stay positive and live life to the fullest,” she said.
Read the complete article in the Houston Chronicle.