REACHING MILESTONES
105-year-old Oakdale woman finally gets her wish — a high school diploma
Theresia Brandl has celebrated hundreds of special moments but none quite like this. On Wednesday, four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, in-laws and residents of the Victoria Manor personal care home in Oakdale huddled around Ms. Brandl as she received an honorary high school diploma — at age 105.
Proudly dressed in a cap and gown, she received the honorary certificate from Sto-Rox High School through the Allegheny Chapter’s Twilight Wish Foundation, a nonprofit that grants wishes to people over 65. It was a long time in coming. As a student at the former Stowe High School, Ms. Brandl, one of the youngest children in her family with more than 10 siblings, was told by her father that she had two choices: Either drop out of school to help care for her ailing mother or continue her education. Taking care of her mother was more important, she said.
After her mother died of complications from diabetes at age 66, Ms. Brandl worked in the brass industry, Dravo Corp. and cared for her daughter while her husband was away during World War II. She even waitressed for 25 years.
Then life happened and she never returned to school.
She was nominated for the
Twilight Wish by the administrator of Victoria Manor, Kathy Krise, who has known Ms. Brandl for almost nine years and learned of her one regret — that she had never received her high school diploma. She had lived in Stowe her whole life before moving to the Oakdale facility.
“We call her grandma,” Ms. Krise said.
Morgan Lesoski, Allegheny Chapter’s Twilight Wish Foundation president, selected Ms. Brandl for the honor.
This week has been special because the Allegheny Chapter is celebrating wish week, where it grants one wish to one local member of the county each day.
Ms. Lesoski found Ms. Brandl’s selflessness compelling.
Ms. Lesoski knew many people were unable to complete their education during the world wars, choosing to work or for other reasons.
Ms. Brandl chose her family instead of continuing her education.
The national Twilight Wish Foundation was founded in 2003 and has granted more than 2,300 wishes.
When Ms. Brandl received the diploma from Ms. Lesoski, she held onto it tightly.
“She’s having a good day today,” said Norene Ruggiero, Ms. Brandl’s granddaughter, who attended the ceremony.