Barbara Patronsky, 102, celebrates birthday at Hoover senior living facility

HOOVER, Ala. (WBRC) - Barbara Patronsky turned 102 this week, marking the milestone with fellow residents at the Crossings at Riverchase. When asked if she feels her age, she was quick with an answer - and a laugh.

“No, not quite,” Patronsky said. “Next week or the following week, I probably will.”

A life built on trying new things

Patronsky credits her longevity to staying active and keeping close friendships. She walks twice daily through the senior living facility and remains mostly independent, using a walker at times. Her philosophy is straightforward.

“Stay out of trouble and try many things,” she said. “You never know what you’ll enjoy.”

That mindset has guided her through decades of self-reinvention. As a young woman, she was inspired to learn tap dancing after watching Ginger Rogers on the big screen. She later won a school program for her dancing — and residents at the Crossings say she can still get up and move to the music.

“A little. Sometimes,” Patronsky said with a chuckle when asked if she still cuts a rug.

Art, music, and a fresh start in Nebraska

After her second marriage brought her to Nebraska, Patronsky found herself in an unfamiliar place without a social network. She turned to education.

“So I started taking classes at a community college and took all kinds of classes and started taking art classes,” she said.

She quickly discovered a talent for visual art. Several pieces she created for fellow residents were on display at her birthday celebration. She also learned to play piano and organ, and continued giving piano lessons until just two months ago.

‘Rosie the Riveter’

One of Patronsky’s most defining experiences came not by choice, but by duty. During World War II, she completed machine shop training and worked in a factory — part of the wave of roughly six million American women who stepped into manufacturing and defense jobs while men served overseas.

“I had to take machine shop training during WWII and worked at the plant,” Patronsky said. “Rosie the Riveter is what they called us women who worked in factories. The women took the men’s place because the men had to go to war.”

The “Rosie the Riveter” name became a cultural touchstone, celebrated in a popular 1942 song and immortalized in a Norman Rockwell painting on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post.

Family, friends, and 102 candles

Patronsky said she has not always had luck in love, but speaks warmly of the family she has.

“The loveliest family,” she said. “Wonderful grandchildren, Christian grandchildren.”

Dozens of fellow residents turned out to celebrate her birthday. Patronsky said she cherishes each of them.

“I love them all,” she said.

The feeling is mutual. Residents at the Crossings at Riverchase describe Patronsky as beloved by all.

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