Local senior becomes a centenarian

Long Beach, California resident Johanna Nutt, who currently resides at Vista Del Mar Senior Living, turned 100 years old on Dec. 31, 2011. Vista Del Mar staff hosted an afternoon party the day before her birthday in honor of her centenarian status and in celebration of six other residents who have birthdays this month.
Born in Eureka, South Dakota, on the last day of 1911, Nutt was a first-generation American born to German immigrant parents who came to America from Odessa, Russia; she speaks both German and English.
Nutt was married twice. Her second husband, Lloyd Nutt, adopted her only son, Vincent Casper. After the couple moved to Los Angeles, they both worked for Rockwell International.
She says they both loved to bowl and were in multiple leagues. She did not retire until 1977, when she decided to move to Huntington Beach to be closer to her grandchildren, Geoffrey and Gregory. She has three great-grandchildren: Kendra, Katrina, and Vincent.
Johanna was very active in her community until, at the age of 90, she was no longer able to drive. Now, she loves to play bingo, cards and with puzzles.
Johanna’s friends shared their reflections of the birthday celebration. Kelly Cabana, activity director, said the attendees enjoyed their drinks and loved singing along with the party’s entertainer, Joe.
Stella Weldy echoed that sentiment. “It was a beautiful party, and I loved singing along with Joe,” she said. Catherine Donaghy called Johanna “the star of the day,” and Johnetta Nolan said, “It was nice, and I’m glad the cake was not chocolate.”