Susan Barr
Kern Valley Sun

What do you call someone who has just turned 90? No, this isn’t the punch line of a joke, it’s a serious question. Someone fortunate enough to have reached the ninth decade of life is called a nonagenarian. Last weekend, this nonagenarian club gained a new member from right here in our own valley; Frances Wilson. The Lake Isabella resident moved to the area from down south in 1985 to be closer to her daughter, Kathy Verzi and her family.

This dynamic and energetic lady had quite a surprise in store for her when she came through the door of her granddaughter’s home in Mt Mesa on Sunday afternoon. Over 50 people had come from far and wide, to gather at the home of Terry and Wendy Mullen to participate in the celebration. After the initial shock of hearing so many voices shouting “surprise” had worn off, “Fran” as she is known to family and friends, quickly got down to the business at hand; having a great time with some of her favorite people.

Frances Wilson listens as Pastor James Beilstein describes the birthday girl as a kind, caring, giving person at her 90th birthday on Sunday at her hranddaughter’s house in Squirrel Valley.

According to party attendees, Wilson is still extremely active, and could put most people half her age to shame when it comes to sheer energy level. It was no surprise to anyone, that the theme of the party was the “ever-ready bunny.” It would seem that the “birthday girl” who keeps on just going and going, has absolutely no intention of slowing down now or in the foreseeable future. Mullen, her grandson-in-law, summed up what he believes to be Wilson’s secret, “For Fran, age is just a state of mind. She’s vowed to live to be 100.”

This remarkable woman’s zest for living is obvious, as is her deep love for family and friends. Her active participation in her church, The Shepherd of the Hills, and her long-time involvement in the South Fork Woman’s Club have also helped to add great meaning to her life. Time and time again, guests commented on Wilson’s compassion for others and her willingness to help anyone in need. Pastor James Beilstein, stated that this special parishioner is, “A very kind person with a great heart. She’s one of the best caregivers, I have ever known.” Beilstein also added, that in his experience, people who reach Wilson’s age generally have something in common; they tend to be ”Centered on the Lord in their lives, as opposed to being just self-centered.”

The many ladies on hand from the Woman’s Club in South Fork, were more than glad to share examples of Wilson’s keen sense of humor. Her ability to deliver a joke well, seems only to be surpassed by her renowned baking talents. It was the latter, especially her wonderful cinnamon rolls that immediately came to mind when grandchildren and great-grandchildren alike where asked what they loved most about “Nana.” Mullen, Wilson’s granddaughter, commented that although she and her grandmother couldn’t be less alike, “I look up to her because she does it all; cooking, sewing, knitting, yard work. She’s everything that I would like to have been.”

Wilson attributes her excellent health and longevity to having a positive attitude. She believes one should, “Make the most of what you are given in life. It’s ok to wish for things, but be happy with what you have been given.” The 90 year old takes no medication, other than an occasional Tylenol for minor arthritis pain.

Wilson had obviously been giving some thought to reaching this significant milestone in her life. When she arrived at the party, she had with her, a copy of wonderful poem which she shared with her friends. The poem speaks of turning 90 years old and in it the poet asks God if he can let him have just one more year, as there is still so much to do in this world. He then asks for another year and another, until finally he reaches 100. The writer of the poem obviously had wonderful appreciation for life and all that it has to offer. Come to think of it, he sounds an awful lot like the amazing lady reading it.