In an interview earlier this year, Herlda Senhouse reflected on her educational journey, sharing, “When I went to high school, I never got the chance to go to college. I was happy to present money for them to go to college.” This testament to her generosity highlights her commitment to education and the future of young people.
Senhouse, who was born in heavily segregated Piedmont, West Virginia, before the first World War, moved to Woburn in 1927 to live with her aunt in pursuit of higher education. Growing up, she developed a fascination with the human body and envisioned herself as a nurse.
Setting her sights on Boston Medical Center, which was then known as the venerable Boston City Hospital, Senhouse was inspired by its legacy. The hospital served as a crucial health resource for Boston’s most underserved populations, and in 1931, it launched a groundbreaking nurses training program specifically for Black women.
With a fierce determination, Senhouse navigated her way through Woburn to the bustling city, figuring out public transportation on her own, and walked confidently into the South End hospital for her interview. Unfortunately, her hopes were dashed when an administrator informed her that the two available slots in the training program had already been filled.
Despite this setback, Senhouse exhibited remarkable resilience, taking on work as a housekeeper for multiple families and emerged as a role model for many young Black individuals in her community, offering guidance and support.
In a turn of fate, the very hospital that once turned her away would later benefit from her lifetime of kindness and generosity. At the age of 105, she enrolled in the New England Centenarian Study at Boston Medical Center, the modern incarnation of Boston City Hospital.
This centenarian study is recognized as the oldest and most extensive research initiative in the world, currently hosted at Boston University’s Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine. The project encompasses various long-term studies, complemented by a vast biobank that collects data from over 3,000 centenarians and their offspring, including extensive blood samples, cognitive assessments, brain scans, and detailed personal interviews.
The primary objective of these studies is to identify the genetic markers, proteins, and other vital elements contributing to the exceptional longevity of individuals like Senhouse, with hopes of unlocking this ‘secret sauce’ to prolong the health and lifespan of others.
Dr. Tom Perls, a leading professor at the medical school and the founder of the centenarian study, expressed gratitude for having Senhouse nearby, stating, “It was such an incredible gift to have her so nearby and to be able to visit her.” His admiration for her character shone through as he noted, “She never could say anything bad about anybody and was always so gracious and kind, and always saw the positive side of things.”
A petite woman with an irresistible Southern accent, Senhouse was beloved for her joyful laughter and her extraordinary ability to forge friendships across generations.
Veronica Chapman, a social advocate, fondly recalled how she met Senhouse at a local salon nearly two decades ago and was welcomed into her life as a close friend. Chapman’s memories include a memorable night when Senhouse, at age 106, was celebrated at a concert by the Pointer Sisters, where the lead singer acknowledged her presence, making her the star of the show.
Another cherished memory was New Year’s Eve when Chapman and her friends joined Senhouse and her peers for a long night of playing Phase 10, a card game that went on for hours. “We were in our 30s and knocked out,” she recalled, “but there was aunty and her 80-plus year old friends still playing.”
Senhouse also relished trips to Encore Casino, enamored with its ornate decor and luxurious ambiance. Despite playing only the penny slots and maintaining a strict budget, she was treated like royalty, often receiving complimentary transportation and personal greetings from top management.
A memorial service to honor the remarkable life of Herlda Senhouse is anticipated next month, a fitting tribute to a woman whose legacy continues to inspire those who knew her.
Kay Lazar can be reached at [email protected] Follow her @GlobeKayLazar.
What lessons about resilience can we learn from Herlda Senhouse’s life experiences?
**Interview with Herlda Senhouse: A Legacy of Resilience and Generosity**
**Editor:** Today, we have the honor of speaking with Herlda Senhouse, a remarkable individual whose life story is as inspiring as it is powerful. At 105 years young, Herlda continues to make an impact in her community and beyond. Welcome, Herlda!
**Herlda Senhouse:** Thank you! It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Editor:** You have quite a journey. You mentioned in a recent interview that you never got the chance to attend college yourself but were happy to support others in their educational pursuits. What inspired that commitment to education?
**Herlda Senhouse:** Well, I always believed education is the key to a better life. Growing up in a segregated West Virginia, I didn’t see many opportunities for myself. But when I moved to Woburn in pursuit of an education, I vowed to help others achieve what I couldn’t. Seeing younger generations thrive brings me so much joy.
**Editor:** It’s incredible how you turned your challenges into a source of motivation for others. You applied to the nurses training program at Boston Medical Center, which was groundbreaking for Black women at the time. Can you tell us about that experience?
**Herlda Senhouse:** Walking into the hospital, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. To hear that the slots were filled was heartbreaking. But rather than give up, I found strength in my work and supported my community as a housekeeper. I learned that sometimes life takes unexpected turns, and the journey matters just as much as the destination.
**Editor:** Your resilience is truly admirable. And now, you’re involved in the New England Centenarian Study at Boston Medical Center. What motivated you to connect with this initiative, and what do you hope research will discover?
**Herlda Senhouse:** Having lived for over a century, I am fascinated by the secrets of longevity! I feel blessed to share my experiences. I hope the study helps unlock the mysteries of aging so future generations can live healthier, longer lives. It’s about creating a legacy that continues to give back, much like I strive to do.
**Editor:** Dr. Tom Perls has spoken highly of your kindness and positivity. How do you maintain such a hopeful outlook?
**Herlda Senhouse:** I think it’s essential to focus on the good in people and situations. Life has its struggles, of course, but I’ve learned to find joy in small moments and appreciate the kindness around me. It’s a choice we can all make.
**Editor:** Wise words indeed. Before we conclude, what message would you like to share with our audience, particularly those who may be facing their own setbacks?
**Herlda Senhouse:** Never lose hope, and always be generous—not just with your resources, but with your spirit. Your light can illuminate the path for others. Keep pushing forward, even when the odds seem against you.
**Editor:** Thank you, Herlda, for your inspiring insights and unwavering dedication to education and community. Your story is a reminder that resilience and kindness can change lives.
**Herlda Senhouse:** Thank you for having me—it’s been a joy to share my journey!
