DPHHS honors MT Centenarians
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GREAT FALLS – Montana centenarians were honored in Great Falls on Oct. 3 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center ballroom during a special luncheon.
“Montana centenarians are absolute treasures,” Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Charlie Brereton said. “They have lived life to the fullest and bring so many life experiences with them. It’s an honor to celebrate these amazing individuals and learn about their incredible lives.”
The luncheon was part of the 54th annual Governor’s Conference on Aging with the theme “Aging Unbound.”
DPHHS officials recently asked Montana centenarians about their secret to longevity, the most amazing event in their lives, favorite quotes, and various other insights. All the centenarians who responded will receive a recognition proclamation from Governor Gianforte.
The DPHHS list of centenarians include those who are or will become 100 years old by the end of 2023. The list includes:
(1) 107-year-old
(1) 106-year-old
(2) 105-year-olds
(4) 102-year-olds
(6) 101-year-olds
(21) 100-year-olds
Here is are a couple of the centenarian responses:
Donna Maria Gonzalez Gandara, age 107, Whitefish. Donna has maintained a very active lifestyle even as she ages, and she still enjoys driving her vehicle and cutting grass on her riding lawnmower at the age of 107. Her secret to longevity, she believes, is a positive and humble attitude, a strong faith in God, hard work, and having a big heart.
Paul von Reichert, age 102, Missoula. Paul joined the Navy and was assigned to a destroyer in the Pacific Theater, specifically participating in battles near Alaska’s Dutch Harbor. Their unit was saved by the thick fog that provided cover during the battle. The conditions were intense, with the fog and rough seas making the fight even more challenging. Paul served in the Navy throughout the entirety of World War II, from 1941 to 1945.
Additional conference information can be found at: https://dphhs.mt.gov/sltc/aging/GovernorsConferenceonAging
