The Regency Assisted Living would like to honor its newest Centenarian to the 100+ Club, Helen Brezil!
Watch this Newsday video to learn more about Helen, an amazing lady we’re proud to know!
Helen’s Story:
"I can’t believe I am 100 years old. As a little girl growing up in the Bronx, to hear the age 100 was not imaginable. Now, look at me - I am 100 years old! I would like to thank my family, especially my two daughters: Enid and Jerri. Their love and dedication to me through the years has been nothing short of wonderful. I know I have been a good and thoughtful person. I do believe God has rewarded me through my life. Even blessing me with 6 great-grandchildren! I am very lucky.”
-Helen
“My mom only provided us with only the best! She always took care of her family. My mom is the true meaning of Family First!” daughter Enid stated.
After speaking with The Brezil Family, you quickly learn why family has meant so much to Helen. Helen was a natural caregiver from a very young age. Glaucoma permanently took Helen’s mother’s vision making her a blind mother of 5 young children. Helen was the only girl amongst her 4 brothers. She had to step in and take care of her brothers. She cared for them as she would her own children. Helen has one surviving baby brother at the young age of 85 years old who now lives in North Carolina.
Meeting the love of her life, Jack, they started a beautiful life together. They raised their daughters in Manhattan and later moving to Queens. Helen worked hard to provide more for her girls than she had growing up. It was her mission. For decades, Helen worked for the Internal Revenue Service as a secretary while still caring for her family. Helen and Jack lived a full life together and even celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary. Sadly, Jack passed away in 2010.
Helen moved to The Regency in 2015. A few years ago, Helen had her Bat Mitzvah with a few of the other Regency residents. “As a young Jewish girl in the 1930’s, it was unheard of for a girl to have a Bat Mitzvah. To be able to have a Bat Mitzvah in my 90’s was a day I never will forget. I am a happy woman. I am appreciative of my life’s blessings and my family. At the end of the day, that is what we have; our family!”
