Neighbors encouraged to send cards

CELEBRATING 103 YEARS OF LIFE!

By Carolyn Johnson

Bernice Pearl Hooks Nicklas is glad to once again celebrate her birthday on December 23. Bernice (pictured) was born in Adrian, Pa. on December 23, 1917, the youngest of 12 children of Chambers L. and Clara Emily Hooks, and graduated from Kittanning High School in 1936. She also graduated from Butler Beauty School and married C.B (Brownie) Nicklas in 1942.  

After WWII, they settled in Butler, Pa. with their daughter Carolyn, who was born in 1948. She continued to live in her home in Butler after Brownie died in 1979 until October 2015 when she moved to Dallas to be near her daughter and son-in-law.  

At this time, at age 103, she is the oldest resident where she lives, after a 104-year-old and a 107-year-old resident each passed away earlier this year. 

Bernice has been less active this year, as you can imagine, but is continuing to persevere with walking and exercise after having broken four ribs during a fall in June. 

She has attended church with her daughter Carolyn and son-in-law, Tim, when it was offered this year, and also watching livestream at their home. She enjoyed the wonderful visit from her granddaughter Elizabeth and great grands, Teddy and Katharine, in August and also watching Elizabeth receive her master’s degree via livestream later that month. 

Bernice attended the festivities in October when her son-in-law had his 80th birthday as well.  

Living in an independent residence culture has afforded her the possibility of seeing friends and family, and also remaining masked and socially distant, appropriately. Bernice continues to receive correspondence from Trinity Presbyterian Church, in Butler, Pa., where she is a charter member, and from Eastern Star where she has been a member more than 50 years. She has also enjoyed reading the local Dallas paper, White Rock Lake Weekly. Her ability to continue to have pleasant and meaningful conversations with others and to be able to move about is an inspiration to all. This year she has also received cards and letters from friends and family members from Butler and Kittanning. Recent losses of her niece and her sister-in-law have also touched her deeply. Several visits each week with Carolyn and Tim continue to lift her spirits, however, and Bernice looks forward to getting out. As a matter of fact, she still loves to shop and still wishes she had her own stove!   

Due to the current precautions being taken by everyone, we have decided to forego a get together this year with friends and family and ask that you remember Mom with cards and letters if you wish. Mail to Bernice Nicklas, 9215 White Rock Trail, Unit 228, Dallas, TX 75238.