Heritage Oaks Resident Celebrates 100th Birthday in Style

Sporting a tiara and her favorite color pink, Heritage Oaks resident Marie Drapal Renk celebrated her 100th birthday among friends Wednesday.

Renk was born March 6, 1913 in Chicago, Ill., one of six children. In that year, Woodrow Wilson was inaugurated as president, stainless steel was invented and the Ford Motor Company introduced the first moving assembly line.

Much has changed since then.

But even through 10 decades of life, friends say Renk is as vivacious and concerned about her appearance as any young woman.

“When you take my photo, just don’t do too much of a close up,” Renk said when she spotted a photographer snapping a photo. “I just don’t want you to see my wrinkles. And at my age, I have a lot of them.”

Renk was married twice and had three children. She worked for 25 years in an upscale department store in Chicago.

When asked what her secret is to a long life was, Renk shrugged, “If I tell you, it wouldn’t be a secret.” She added later, “My doctor told me once, ‘Whatever it is you’re doing, keep doing it.’”

Renk does exercise regularly – she rides her stationary bike while watching television – and she said she eats whatever she likes, spicy foods and tacos being her favorite. Although she is hard of hearing, she has few health problems to worry about.

But it does help to have good genes. Renk said many of her family members lived to their 80s and 90s, although she is the first, that she knows of, in her family who has lived to 100.

Living to that ripe old age is not a very common feat. According to a Boston University study, in 2010 there were 80,000 centenarians living in the United States.

Even President Barack Obama is sending a letter to Renk, congratulating her on her rare milestone.

The centenarian prides herself in having many friends and believes that anyone can continue to make new friends regardless of age. She enjoys going to the beauty parlor, shopping and drinking black coffee while playing cards with friends.

“Just have fun and do whatever makes you happy, that’s what I’ve always tried to do,” said Renk. “People worry too much about things, and I don’t waste time worrying. If you can’t fix it, forget it.”