The Bristal at North Woodmere Resident Celebrates 110th Birthday

Henrietta Dobin a resident of the The Bristal Assisted Living at North Woodmere celebrated her 110th birthday today at The Bristal at North Woodmere.

Henrietta was joined by her children Myra and Steven, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her 107 year old friend Bell Littenberg.

Gerontologist researchers believe that she is the oldest living person on Long Island, and possibly the sixth oldest person in New York State. Experts say there are fewer than eighty people in the United States over the age of 110 and only 300-450 supercentenarians worldwide.

Mrs. Dobin who was an avid golfer, worked at the Nassau County Museum of Art until she was 108! Only stopping because of COVID concerns. She is an accomplished artist, “I don’t fool around. I only create things I enjoy; all oil paintings and I think people who view my art find it inspiring.” Henrietta also enjoys using watercolor stating, “Any name you want to give it, that’s the name, the idea just comes to you.” Her artwork was on display during her birthday celebration.

She plays bridge three times a week, loves to watch Dr. Phil, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Antiques Roadshow, arts and culture programs on PBS and anything featuring animals or history. She plays BINGO at The Bristal every day and takes a half hour each morning to accessorize the outfits that she picks out for herself.

A resident of The Bristal since 2016, Henrietta lived in East Rockaway for 35 years and before that in Far Rockaway for more than forty years. She and her late husband Solomon were married for 60 years until his death in 1990. They met at a party in 1930, when she was 17, he walked up and introduced himself and from that very first moment, she says she knew he was the one; it was love at first sight!

They were married in a ceremony held on Pitkin Avenue in Brownsville, Brooklyn on March 9, 1930. It was the height of the depression; both families were so poor that while they had a ceremony they could not afford to serve any food.

Solomon opened the Bargaintown discount store retail chain, while Henrietta worked at the Brooklyn Standard Union newspaper. At one point they owned four homes; East Rockaway, The Adirondacks, St. Thomas and North Miami Beach Florida.

Henrietta says she has no secret for the long healthy life she has lived; she says she has just been blessed.