On Dec. 25, Syde Zwern, a 4-year resident at Grace Plaza Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, celebrated her 103rd birthday. Zwern was born in 1912 in Queens to Jacob and Celia Olch. She married her husband, Louis, in 1942. The couple raised two daughters, Jacqueline and Reina, in their home in Rosedale, Queens. Louis passed away in 1986 after 44 years of marriage. When asked for advice on how she stays so positive and young, Zwern replied, “I don’t think about my age, I just do what I have to do and try to be thankful for all I have.” Zwern has six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is an avid reader of The New York Times and stays busy by attending the activities and enjoying the entertainment and her friends at Grace Plaza. Zwern participates in the weekly discussion groups and assists in the Doer’s Club, which raises money for outside charities as well as other residents in need. A party, attended by her family, was held at Grace Place to celebrate this special day and everyone felt very lucky to be able to share this day with her.
