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Carmel woman celebrates 108th birthday

Posted at 7:24 AM, Jan 12, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-12 07:24:54-05

CARMEL — A Carmel turned 108 on Thursday and celebrated her birthday on Saturday with her family.

Jennie Zawada is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and has lived in several different places, including Florida, before she moved to Carmel.

She moved to Carmel in January 2017 to be closer to her niece, Nancy Dwyer, after she got the flu and was admitted to the hospital.

"She is very healthy with low blood pressure and takes no medicines," Dwyer said. "She has never smoked, rarely drank alcohol, and always tried to eat healthy foods. She loved to cook and still likes to read recipes."

Zawada's family says she drove her own car and mowed her own yard until she was 104.

"I don't feel that old," Zawada said.

When asked if there was secret to living to be 108, Zawada said, "I think everything is good for you if you don't over do it, including candy or cake or cookies or whatever. If you don't over do it, it's ok. It's good for you."