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Few people live to see their 100th birthday, but Theresa Gladys Rakow, affectionately known as “Auntie,” celebrated such an occasion on Saturday, July 19, alongside nearly 50 family members spanning four generations at the Staatsburg home of relatives Judy and Bob Linville.
Rakow was born on July 18, 1908 on East 123rd Street in New York City. She resided in the Bronx until 2002, when she moved to the Manor at Woodside in Poughkeepsie to be closer to family. She currently lives at the Thompson House nursing home, located on the campus of Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck.
When asked to what she attributes her longevity, Rakow said she likes to watch Jeopardy, read books and pray to the “good Lord every day.”
Rakow, who never married, has two predeceased brothers, Otto and Walter, who married and each had their own children. She has nine nieces and nephews, and her parents were immigrants from Germany and Poland.
Despite not having children of her own, Rakow has been around kids much of her life. She taught elementary school students at PS 77 in Brooklyn, and in 1953, she was appointed principal of PS 83 in New York City. In 1963, Rakow was appointed assistant superintendent of elementary education in District I, a position she held until her retirement from the New York City school system in 1973.
Some relatives who attended her birthday party live nearby, while others came from afar, including Florida, Montana and Germany.
Don Rakow, a nephew who flew in from Missoula, Mont. said the summer of 2006 was the last time he saw Theresa.
His wife, Chris, said she recalls Theresa always doing crossword puzzles in the New York newspapers.
Bill Rakow, a nephew from Fairfax, Va. and son of Otto, said he has fond memories of spending time with his “auntie.”
“She’s been an esteemed aunt in our family. That’s why we just call her ‘auntie.’ It’s kind of like in England, when you say, ‘Your majesty.’ Everyone knows who you’re talking about,” he said.
Nikki Anderson, whose birth name is Theresa Nicole, named after her auntie, flew in from Germany for the occasion. Anderson’s husband serves overseas as a member of the Air Force.
Anderson said she recently discovered letters from distant cousins who lived in Germany, dating back to the 1930s and 1940s. She said she hopes to piece together more of the family’s history.
Fourteen-year-old Conor Alsop, of Rutland, Vt., said he remembers his great auntie’s 90th birthday celebration, particularly what she said to people at the party.
“She said she probably has a better chance at living to 100 than anyone else there,” Alsop said.
A life without borders
One fact stressed by family members at the celebration was that Theresa has spent much of her life traveling. She’s been to Africa (on safari), Japan, South America and all over Europe, they said.
Judy Linville’s husband, Bob, a Hyde Park town councilman, said Theresa has seen many changes in her lifetime, and has been there for her family throughout.
“She’s been a constant in the family, the glue. She’s always been there for her nieces and nephews,” he said.
Merrie Leslie of North Salem said she recalls a cross-country trip “auntie” gave her and cousin Judy in 1964.
“She was brave enough to travel six weeks with three teenage girls,” Leslie laughed.
In addition to having family members shower her with love and company, Theresa received two letters of congratulations – one from President George W. Bush and his wife, first lady Laura Bush, and another from Willard Scott of the “Today Show.”
“You have led a remarkable life and your experiences have contributed to the strength of our nation,” Mr. and Mrs. Bush wrote.
Scott’s note contained a slightly more religious and personalized tone.
“I ask the good Lord to bless you in all your days,” Scott wrote. “It is a privilege and pleasure for me to wish you a happy birthday, my friend.”
