Centenarians

Sat., Aug. 13, 1994

Bessie Kosmala Spokane

Bessie Kosmala will celebrate her 100th birthday today from 1-3 p.m. with a celebration at Maplewood Gardens.

Born Nov. 22, 1894, in Chicago, Ill., she has been a resident of Spokane for the past 16 years. Before that she lived in Riverside, Calif., and Chicago.

She worked for 42 years at Sears, Roebuck in the mail order department, rising to managing the notions department. She kept record of stock on hand and ensured orders were filled accurately and on time.

She never married, but lives with her sister Lillian Gurney. Lillian’s daughter, Jean Roeber of Spokane, is like a daughter to her, family members say.

Miss Kosmala has seven grandnieces and nephews and 11 great-grandnieces and nephews.

When asked to what she attributes her longevity, she replied, “Taking each day as it comes, doing a good job, and having faith and trust in God.”

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