Eugenia Kuklinski doesn’t dance as much as she used to. But then again, she just turned 100.
Because of her carefree, independent spirit, it is difficult to tell that Kuklinski has lived through an entire century. For the past 30 years, she has lived alone in the Grandview Terrace Apartments, a residential high-rise for senior citizens that provides independent living. Aside from a homemaker who stops by a few times a week, Kuklinski takes care of her own affairs with the ease of any other adult of sound health.
A group of friends gathered on the top-floor recreation room of the complex Tuesday to celebrate Kuklinski’s 100th birthday with pizza, cake and old stories. Sitting in a chair with a cone-shaped party hat strapped around her head, Kuklinski gave a modest smile as though the three-digit milestone was as common as any other day.
"She makes believe that she gets mad at the birthday parties," said Grace Malabe, a close friend for the two years she’s resided at Grandview. "She’s a lot of fun to be with. She’s always happy. Her personality is out of this world. When we go out, I feel like I’m with a teenager."
Although Kuklinski has recently experienced slight problems with her vision, she has not allowed any ailment to get in the way of her daily walks outside. Malabe often joins Kuklinski on these walks, accompanying her to the local store to buy groceries. "She loves to walk," Malabe said. "She never complains and she’s very good company."
Her other friends shared the same sentiment, unable to recall a time they had an argument with Kuklinski over anything. Jenny Lamont, a 22-year resident of Grandview, has been a longtime friend of Kuklinski’s, spending many days shopping at malls with her and talking about families. "If she was in despair, she would come over and talk about it," Lamont said. "Then she’d feel better. We never had a bad word to say about her."
Aside from her congenial personality, friends can not help but speak of Kuklinski’s cooking. Only a couple of months ago she made zeppoles for her friends every day for two weeks, said Elaine Johnson. "We stop by her house for her cooking," Johnson said. "Other times, she brings the food to other people’s houses."
Kuklinski’s friends quickly added that she also has a knack for whipping up delicious pancakes, cheese blintzes and rice pudding.
Remembers her father’s horse and carriage
Kuklinski was born in Poland Nov. 6, 1901, and moved to America with her family when she was 6 years old. Ever since, she has been a resident of Jersey City. Although her father died when she was young, she has a sharp memory of the horse and carriage he used to ride.
Growing up as the oldest of five children, Kuklinski began working as a seamstress at a young age to help support the family. Becoming a skilled seamstress as the years went on, Kuklinski eventually made all of her own clothes from scratch.
Kuklinski married twice and was widowed both times. With her second husband, she had a child and has made family life one of her main priorities. But family aside, Kuklinski has always had a passion for dancing, as any of her friends are quick to point out.
"She’s a big fan of Perry Como," Johnson said. "And she loves Bobby Vinton’s ‘Melody of Love.’" When she was in her 60s, Kuklinski attended Vinton’s concert in an outdoor arena and said it was one of her favorite performances.
Like most grandparents, Kuklinski has a habit of talking about her grandchildren. "She just received a picture of her granddaughter with her new boyfriend," Johnson said, recalling how Kuklinski was excited to show the picture to her friends. "They look like movie stars."
After hearing close friends sing "Happy Birthday," Kuklinski reflected on her life while playing with a Chinese yo-yo. "You make your life happy," Kuklinski said, "because if you don’t, you make it sad."