Century Club: At 100, she's still as busy as a bee

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Lina Pollice

Like the honey bees she used to keep in her native Italy, Lina Pollice is a very busy woman.

Next Tuesday, she will celebrate her 100th birthday with an open house at her home in Whitehall, where she lives with her sisters, Laura, 95, and Martha, 88. Two days before, her family will gather for a Mass concelebrated by the Revs. John Haney and Brian Welding, with a party to follow.

She was born on Oct. 27, 1909, in the town of Gamberale in Abruzzo, Italy, and later moved with her family to the town of Ateleta. After attending college, she worked in Ateleta's government. As an apiarist (bee keeper), she won a gold medal for her honey at the World Exposition in Switzerland.

Ms. Pollice came to Whitehall in 1947 after World War II with her sisters and her mother, Agnese Pollice, who lived to be 102.

Today, she enjoys reading, embroidery, cooking, keeping up on world events and socializing with her many, many friends.

If you or a friend or a relative recently turned 100 or will soon do so, the Post-Gazette would like to hear from you. On an occasional basis, the Magazine section will feature short stories on people marking their 100th year. To be included, send the honoree's biographical information and your phone number to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Century Club, Attn: Kevin Kirkland, 34 Blvd. of the Allies, Pittsburgh 15222. Fax: 412-263-1313. E-mail: kkirkland@post-gazette.com.

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First published on October 20, 2009 at 12:00 am