A century of kindness
Virginia (Yendell) Lonchar, of Overbrook Point, will celebrate her 100th birthday on Jan. 23.
Described as a vibrant and fiercely independent woman, Lonchar was born in her grandmother’s house in Lawrenceville in 1925, and spent part of her early childhood in Crider’s Corner, a quiet farming community in Cranberry Township.
Despite the many changes around her, Lonchar’s life remains rooted in the values of family, resilience and gratitude for life’s simple joys.
Virginia grew up during the Great Depression. Her early years were marked by hardship and resourcefulness, experiences that shaped her enduring spirit. She still has her family’s World War II ration books, a tangible reminder of the era’s scarcity. “We were taught not to waste anything,” she says. Even today, she treasures those old books, recalling that they allowed her family to exchange coupons for essentials, including shoes.
Lonchar’s life has always revolved around her family. She raised five daughters — three of whom became teachers, one a nurse and another a dietitian. Her family now includes 10 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and another on the way.
In addition to her devotion to family, Virginia has a remarkable zest for life. Even now, she walks five times a week, covering each floor of Overbrook Point three times, including the stairs. She stays connected with her family through technology, delighting in the digital photo frame they gifted her, which automatically updates with pictures from their phones. After visiting with one of her daughters for a few days, she returned home to discover 54 new photos waiting for her on the digital frame.
According to Lonchar, kindness is the secret to a long life.
“It accomplishes more than anything I know,” Lonchar said. “You’ve got to keep moving and using your mind.”
Lonchar’s family will gather on Jan. 25 to celebrate a century of her extraordinary life, which she said has been about more than milestones, but about finding joy in the everyday, staying curious and cherishing the people who surround her.
“I just enjoy life,” Lonchar said.
