Harolda Senhouse, America’s second oldest resident, died in her sleep on Saturday at the age of 113.
Stephanie Hoskinson, Wellesley’s public information officer, said Senhouse died at her home in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where she had lived for the past four decades.
Hawkinson said that while she was hundreds of years old, Senhouse was still an active member of the Wellesley community and enjoyed every moment of her life.
“He never missed an opportunity to learn more, do more, experience more,” he said.
Hawkinson was a close friend of Senhouse, meeting her on her 108th birthday and celebrating with her every year thereafter.
Senhouse was born in Piedmont, West Virginia, on February 28, 1911, but soon afterward he was sent to live with his aunt in Woburn, Mass. She graduated from high school at the age of 16 and intended to pursue nursing in 1931, but according to the Boston Globe, she was rejected after the school she applied to met its quota of two black students. Was expelled from school.
From there, Senhouse turned to housekeeping and worked for several families over the years. He also founded the Boston Clique Club, a social club of dancers and musicians that attempted to raise funds to improve educational opportunities for black students in the city.
Because his extremely long lifespan continued to amaze scientists, he enrolled in the New England Centenarian Study at the age of 105. The study aims to find out how people like Senhouse age so slowly, while delaying or completely avoiding aging-related disease.
In addition to his dedication to the study, Senhouse also decided to donate his brain to researchers after he died, Hoskinson said.
Hawkinson said Senhouse often attributed his longevity to never having children. However, she was never alone, and she was surrounded by a strong community of friends, family and members of her church, Hoskinson said.
“She was truly an inspiration to so many people in our community,” he said.
Senhouse’s remarkable life spanned many of the most significant periods of American history, including both world wars, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights Movement, and two pandemics.
Naomi Whitehead, 114, of Greenville, PA, just barely tops her record.
with post wires
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