Lorraine Fink
100 years old
The oldest in this esteemed group, Lorriane Fink manages to find humor in almost every situation – at her 99th birthday, for example, she suggested the cake be turned upside down to make her 66! She’s an award-winning artist, a retired art teacher from Old Dominion University, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, Chrysler Museum, and the Peninsula Fine Arts Center, and her paintings and other works of art hang in various museums and galleries throughout the area. Fink has five children and nine grandchildren and was married to Bill, her late husband, for 63 years.
Jewish News: How did you celebrate your milestone birthday?
Lorraine Fink: Most of my family came in for it. We partied; it was written up in the newspaper. It was a very family-oriented celebration. Plus, the family re-enacted a portrait taken more than 25 years ago – with everyone dressed in the same colors as they were then.
I spent 15 years at ODU getting my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. ODU had a 100th celebration for me and an art exhibit with a lot of my artwork. ODU asked to borrow the artwork for incoming students to see in the art education building. They had a reception for me.
JN: How do you spend your days?
LF: I am still working. And I’m happy to be breathing in and out! I’m busy thanking God.
My work is my artwork: painting, drawing, collage. Friends and family come over to do artwork together with me.
JN: What are you grateful for?
LF: I’m grateful for today and every day.
JN: What was your favorite decade?
LF: My favorite time is when all the kids were home, and my husband was with me. Nothing like having all the kids around and my husband at home.
JN: What words of wisdom would you like to pass on?
LF: Be with people you look up to – that’s what it’s all about. Having respect for each and every individual.
