Still Stitching Together a Remarkable Life at 103

At nearly 103 years old, Kay Nelson (Cathryn M. Nelson) still knows how to keep busy, keep moving, and keep people laughing.

The native of North Dakota and longtime resident of Monarch Landing senior living community in Naperville will celebrate her 103rd birthday in several weeks, and if you ask her the secret to living a long life, she has a simple answer.

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“I’m just too ornery to do otherwise,” she said.

A Move Inspired by Good Food and Good Company

Kay has called Monarch Landing home for the past 17 years after deciding it was finally time to hand over at least one responsibility in life.

“I moved here because I thought it was time for someone else to cook for me,” she said. “And I love the social life.”

Kay made herself at home quickly. She specifically chose a two-bedroom apartment for a very important reason: she needed room for her sewing machines and ironing board.

The Community Seamstress

Not long after moving in, Kay let her neighbors know she was a seamstress. Word spread quickly.

For the next 15 years, Kay estimates that she hemmed, altered, and repaired more than 700 pieces of clothing for Monarch Landing residents.

“I was constantly sewing,” she said. “People were really excited to be able to have someone right here who could help.”

A broken wrist a couple of years ago finally forced her to retire from the sewing business she had unintentionally built inside the community. But slowing down has never been part of Kay’s personality.

Wii Bowling and a Competitive Spirit

She remains an avid and fiercely competitive Wii bowler and regularly attends entertainment programs and events at Monarch Landing.

She’s compared throughout the community to the Energizer Bunny and is known for her great sense of humor.

Built for the Long Haul

Awesome genes have in all likelihood contributed to Kay’s impressive longevity. Women on Kay’s mother’s side of the family lived to be 100, 105, and 107 years old.

Another major contributing factor to Kay’s impressive life may simply be that she has never stopped moving.

She never learned to drive so she walked everywhere for years and years. Kay recalled putting on countless miles walking, and that definitely has kept her healthy and fit.

A Lifelong Love for Faith and for the Sox

Faith has also always been an important part of Kay’s life, along with family, friendship, and one additional very serious lifelong commitment: the Chicago White Sox.

Kay has been a devoted Sox fan for decades and attended many games throughout the years. One of her favorite memories came in 2005 when, at age 82, she traveled downtown to celebrate the White Sox World Series victory with thousands of other fans.

Surrounded by Family and Friends

Before moving to Monarch Landing, Kay was a homemaker who also enjoyed traveling extensively with her husband. Today, she continues to enjoy an active social life and the many friendships she has built within the community she proudly calls home.

Now approaching her 103rd birthday, Kay remains quick-witted, independent, socially engaged, and deeply loved by her family and friends.

She is the proud mother of four children, grandmother of eight grandchildren, and great grandmother of two.

And if history, determination, and a little orneriness are any indication, Kay may just be getting warmed up.

Monarch Landing

Monarch Landing is a Life Plan Community located on a scenic campus in Naperville, Illinois-named “one of America’s best places to live and retire” by Modern Maturity, and “the best city for early retirement” by Kiplinger. Monarch Landing offers independent living, promoting a vibrant lifestyle for active seniors. The Springs at Monarch Landing offers memory supported assisted living, respite care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing services, thus providing complete continuing care for seniors. Monarch Landing is owned by Senior Care Development and managed by Life Care Services®. For additional information visit www.WelcomeToMonarchLanding.com or www.TheSpringsatMonarchLanding.com.