As part of Women’s History Month, State Senator Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) celebrated the stories of women living in nursing homes throughout Illinois on March 27. Women living in nursing homes today have been on the frontlines of Illinois history. To celebrate Elderly Women of Wisdom Day, members on both sides of the aisle told their stories.
Below are two brief stories of inspiring women from the 47th District:
Rose, who lives in Mount Sterling, lived through the Great Depression and went on to have two children, six grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren! To this day, 101-year-old Rose wakes up every morning, fixes her hair and puts on her signature red lipstick. Rose currently resides in Heritage Nursing Home in Mount Sterling.
Eva, a 102 year old who lives in Beardstown, began her career at the age of 18 as a telephone operator for Illinois Bell Telephone Company, eventually becoming a chief operator. Eva, known for her kind heart, was a Meals on Wheels volunteer for many years in addition to driving cancer patients to and from treatment. Eva now resides in the Heritage Nursing Home in Beardstown.