Helen Meister: Celebrating a Century of Joyful Adventures

Helen Meister’s family organized a 100th birthday celebration for her at The Brick House. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

Helen Meister expressed that being 100 years old is wonderful. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

OAK HARBOR – While numerous individuals fear aging, Helen Meister, who celebrated her 100th birthday on January 7, embraces it wholeheartedly.

“It’s amazing to be 100. I’ve left the old, deceased ones behind,” she stated.

Helen’s sharp humor and zest for life characterize her century of existence. She always relished working as much as she appreciated playing; thus, she served as a beautician for more than 60 years. Previously, she owned The Classic salon in Upper Sandusky and Meister’s in Marion and instructed at a beauty academy in Marion for several years. She didn’t retire until she was 90, and she continued to drive and mow her lawn until just a few years back.

From a young age, she knew she did not want to spend her days confined to an office desk.

“I glanced around and declared I’m not going to toil like those other individuals. I desire my own enterprise,” she shared. “It was immensely enjoyable.”

Helen grew up in Troy, but she remarks, “I don’t believe I ever matured.”

Her mother passed away when she was quite young, and her father single-handedly raised Helen and her siblings.

“My dad was extraordinary. My mother departed early, and my dad cared for seven children alone,” Helen recounted. “I remember my dad telling us, ‘You monkeys get the dishes cleaned, and I’ll take you for a ride.’ We had an incredible life.”

Helen and her siblings occupied their leisure time with baseball, fishing, and various outdoor pursuits.

“We never lingered indoors,” she remarked.

Her affinity for nature persisted into adulthood, and she and her late husband enjoyed fishing on Lake Erie. One fishing expedition became troublesome when her husband instructed her to set the hook too early, and she referred to him with an unprintable term.

“I was angling in Lake Erie and hooked a fish, and my husband urged me to set the hook. The fish escaped,” Helen explained. “I lost it. It nearly led to a divorce. I was extremely upset.”

Helen’s vivid language, delivered with a spirited glimmer in her eyes, is an integral aspect of her identity.

“Grandma is the only individual I know who can curse at you in one breath and then show appreciation for you in the next,” remarked Helen’s granddaughter-in-law, Roberta Gedert Meister. “She perceives beauty and joy in every aspect. I’ve never seen anyone approach life in the way she does.”

Currently, Helen resides at Riverview nursing facility in Oak Harbor, where she strolls the hallways or the courtyard every day. She still oversees the family’s pie baking during Thanksgiving, and she relishes going out for pizza and bowling, utilizing a ramp to participate in the sport. Roberta mentioned that Helen continues to enjoy beer daily and attributes her long life to remaining active.

“My secret to a lengthy life? Don’t sit on your (butt) flipping through a book. Get out and engage in activities,” Helen advised.

During a birthday celebration organized by her family at The Brick House on January 7, she reflected on her century of life. As she reminisced about 100 years of existence, Helen offered insights for the youth just entering adulthood.

“Just keep it going, baby,” she advised. “Just be authentic. Shape your life into what you desire. It’s your life.”