Jennie Vasquez was born May 5, 1914 in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, and has been a resident of Gilroy for 78 years. Family celebrated the beloved mom and grandma on May 3 at a local winery. Jennie praised the Lord and danced into the night.
What is the best thing about living to be 100? “I feel grateful to the Lord and thank Him for letting me live so long—100 years old. Yes, I saw my children get old (laughter) and live for a long time. It seems like they’re going to outgrow me (laughter)! And seeing all my grandchildren; great- and great-great-grandchildren.”
How is today different from when you were growing up? “It doesn’t look like when I was growing up. There are a lot of new things to see, more people and places to go. The world seems to be getting bigger and bigger. When will it end? I don’t know. The people have changed. They seem happier now.”
What is the secret to longevity? “I think it depends on the Lord—how long he wants us to live. It’s up to Him. I don’t have a secret. I used to do a lot of walking. I eat a lot of beans. I used to pick apricots and grapes. Maybe that helped me. My family.”
One of your favorite memories: “I remember them all, too many memories. I used to swim and play with my cousins in the Rio Grande. It was a lot of fun. I’m thinking about when I made my First Communion. I thought it was a blessing. My grandpa and grandma would tell us to pray.”
