Responsible for Something Good

 

“I’m glad I’m responsible for something good.” That was Adele Samuelson’s response when asked about her sense of humor that has been passed down through the generations. In fact, several generations. Adele is a great-great-grandmother, and she’s 108. Ask anyone who knows her and they will tell you that Adele is responsible for many good things. She’s led a remarkable life, and has a great deal to show for it, including her healthy longevity.

Adventure

In her early life, Adele sailed to Palestine from Durban, South Africa on a Polish ship carrying Italian prisoners of war. She then took the train to Kubbutz Kfar Blum in Haifa where she spent a year before reluctantly returning to South Africa. She and her husband Skea, whom she married in 1945, spent a great deal of time enjoying the outdoors – even spending their honeymoon camping.

Love

After raising two daughters and enjoying many grandchildren together, Skea died in 1992, and Adele went to work – at the age of 66. She relocated to Israel to be with her daughters and their families, and became the secretary to three presidents of Tel Aviv University. She retired at the age of 84.

In addition to her sense of humor, Adele was good with her hands, sewing clothing for her family. She also enjoyed cooking and singing – which she still enjoys.