Bernice’s 97th Birthday at the Staaten

This is my grandma Bernice Dietrich. She is now 98 years young, how amazing is that? This post is from her 97th birthday last year. I was so sad that I missed her 98th birthday celebration this year since I was ill. However, I still wanted to share these because she is such a wonderful woman and role model!

Some fun facts about Bernice

She was born in 1920 and is one of those rare native Staten Islanders. I actually went to the same high school as her: Port Richmond High School, which was where she met my grandfather Henry on the school bus. They realized years later that they were in the same kindergarten class but they don’t remember meeting then. My grandparents were married for 73 years and had 4 kids including my dad, 8 grandkids, and are now blessed with 5 great grand kids. Honestly, it was very hard for our family when my grandfather died, but we know that he is in a better place. Imagine that though: 73 years of marriage, nowadays that is seriously unheard of! I am so thankful for their legacy and pray that Dan and I (God willing we last that long) will have a strong marriage like theirs.

Bernice & Henry’s 73rd Anniversary

Here are some of my favorites from that day celebrating her 97th birthday at Li Grecci’s Staaten in Staten Island, NY with family and friends last year in 2017.

Cheesing with my dad!

Her favorite activities

Some of Bernice’s favorite activities include dancing with her bird Bandit and taking her dog Hadley out. (Side note: check out my instagram stories when I hang out with her. I love sharing these fun, happy moments!) My grandma also loves spending time with her family, friends and going to church. One of my favorite memories growing up is going on Christmas Eve to midnight mass with her at Blessed Sacrament Church.

Anyone who meets Bernice would definitely say she is truly kind, friendly, and very bright. She can even recount stories that have taken place over 60 years ago with an incredible amount of detail. I love hearing her stories about growing up in Staten Island. My grandma’s one of those rare people who have lived there all her life!

Here are a few from Bernice’s 98th birthday which I missed due to illness. These were taken by some of my family also at Li Grecci’s Staaten in Staten Island, NY. I still wanted to include these because she just is so adorable! Also that shirt was perfect!

Bernice you are indeed loved by many. Thank you for just being you! We love you so much.