At 102 and 100, Arnold Compas and Bessie Mae Foster still filled with life

A birthday is on the horizon for one person and another big birthday was celebrated recently. Both have many stories to tell and the wisdom to share from long, productive lives.

Arnold Compas celebrates his 102nd birthday on Nov. 11, which is Veterans Day. An appropriate day for a World War II and Korean War vet. He served from 1942 to 1946 and then again from 1950 to 1952.

His wisdom and energy were recently celebrated at Brookdale Senior Living Community on Centenarian Day.

Namely News: 'Charlie's Cat Corner' host wins Humane Society's Volunteer of the Year award

Arnold attributed his vigor to keeping busy, growing up on a farm, gardening, never smoking or drinking, and years in the Florida sun in the winter months. He didn’t have much good to say about the winter weather in the North. He is a child of the sun.

Arnold was born in Missouri, and following his service years, he came to the Midwest for work. He was employed at Bendix in the fuel control department and retired in 1979. Following retirement, it was off to the South.

He and wife, Anna, liked being active with dancing, horseshoes and shuffleboard in the Sunshine State. “We didn’t like the cold. We were snowbirds. We did that for more than 30 years. We had so many friendships. Those were good years.”

He said there was something about wearing shorts and a T-shirt all year around. “We couldn’t stay in Florida during the summer, so we came back to Indiana.”

Anna died in 2019. They were married for a wonderful 73 years.

Daughter Jennifer Gooley said her father remains sharp. “He can remember things better than me. Names, dates, stories. I can bring up a name and he can recall everything. Seriously, he remembers everything. He does all his own bills and banking.”

He said the only thing holding him back from independent living is mobility. Knee and leg issues.

Back to Brookdale. He said he enjoys sitting on the front porch and talking to friends. More words of wisdom, such as, “Don’t sit down and keep moving,” and maybe a nap.

■■■

The 100th birthday of Bessie Mae Foster was a surprise party on Oct. 21 at Pinhook Pavilion. She thought she was going out for dinner. Little did she know more than 100 elegantly dressed relatives came in from about 10 states to celebrate her day.

Bessie said she didn’t have any idea this was happening.

Niece Sherri Neptune said the family has been working feverishly on the event since late summer. “We decided to do it 100%. We invited 100 people for a 100th birthday. She is our spark plug. She has the energy of someone half her age. Wait, she will probably start dancing when she comes in.”

When she walked in, there was applause and cheers and she did a little dance before she received a tiara and sash.

Kim Boyd said her aunt has never met a stranger. “She always says to be kind and honest. Treat everyone fairly. Everyone knows her as Mama Bessie.”

Market Basket: The Pie and The Pig plan to take over empty building near Battell Park in Mishawaka

Bessie was honored with a reception at the South Bend Housing Authority, where she lived for more than 30 years.

She was born on Oct. 23, 1923, in Little Rock, Ark. She was the oldest of 10 children. Her earliest memories were picking cotton, field work and going to school on a horse named Whiskey.

She told Sherri that she remembers the Jim Crow laws and working hard through all the years. But there were good times with the big family and parties. “My family has been the light of my life,” Bessie said.

Bessie has 38 nephews, 43 nieces and 178 great, great-great and great-great-great nieces, and nephews. They bring a lot of light to her life.

She moved to South Bend in the 1980s to be near relatives. She kept busy working as a caregiver into her 80s.

Angela Fitch, a niece from Florida, said the family celebrates her wisdom, faith and her years. “We wanted to do this right. We are truly blessed.”

Bessie said she will hold all this “love in her heart forever.”

Kathy can be reached at kfborlik@yahoo.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Centenarians celebrate big birthdays in South Bend