Velma Thiel: A Century of Connection and Joy

Velma Thiel, a 100-year-old woman from Lowell, Indiana, has been sending hundreds of cards, letters, and other correspondence to dozens of region residents who’ve become her old-fashioned penpals. Her story is a testament to the power of connection and joy that can be found in the written word.

Decades of Correspondence

Thiel’s penpaling journey began decades ago, and she’s been writing to strangers who’ve become close friends through the written word, a postage stamp, and a licked envelope. Fifteen years ago, I wrote a column about Thiel’s endearing and enduring snail-mail relationship with strangers who’ve become close friends.

• Since then, she’s been kind enough to add me to her list.
• “Dear Jerry, you gave me such nice penpals,” Thiel wrote to me in her latest letter.
• “We still write to each other, but not as much because we all are getting to a mature age (smiley face). I will be 100 on May 18, God willing.”

A Party with Penpals

Sunday is Thiel’s birthday, and thanks to many of her penpals, she will be receiving a stack of new cards to congratulate her on the milestone, joining more than 100,000 other centenarians in our country. Thiel isn’t exaggerating, and she’s been enjoying every day this past week.

Thiel’s Secret to Longevity

Thiel’s family, friends, and penpals have an idea of what contributed to her longevity. They attribute her long life to her genuine, sweet, lovable, and godly nature.

“Ms. Velma is such a genuine, sweet, lovable and godly woman,” said Joyce Anderson, who’s been exchanging cards and letters with Thiel for 10 years. “And she has such beautiful vintage handwriting.”

A Legacy of Love and Kindness

Most of Thiel’s senior citizen penpals are no longer with us, but she continues to live a life of purpose, reflection, devotion, and jubilation. What’s one of her secrets? “Don’t always think of just yourself,” Thiel said. “Think of others and what you can do for them. Some people have nobody. And everybody is dealing with something.”

A Man’s Perspective

A man asked Thiel, “How come you’re always so cheerful?”

Thiel replied, “I don’t know. I just like people, I guess.”

A Dining Table with New Friends

Thiel sits at a dining table with two residents who’ve lost part of their legs due to diabetes. “They’re amazing people,” she said. “They’re pretty brave. I don’t know if I could be so brave.”

Thiel’s Late Husband and the Power of Love

Thiel cared for her late husband, Alfred, who showed such bravery during his battle with Alzheimer’s. “It got too dangerous for him,” she recalled. Thiel cared for him for seven years before his death 18 years ago. She was 82 with no idea she would live to be 100, and counting.

A Life of Letters and Love

Thiel proudly showed me a box filled with all the cards and letters she had received from penpals across Northwest Indiana and from around the country. Most of them were handwritten by strangers who mailed Thiel either a few kind words or colorful writing. Each one brought her an instant smile. “I was quite surprised. It was very exciting. Even fun. They revealed a lot of personal things to me,” Thiel told me.

One of Her First Letters

Thiel has a strict policy of responding to anyone who takes the time to connect with her. I’m not good at writing handwritten letters. Thiel keeps me on her list anyway, usually ending her notes the same way: “Lots of love, Velma.”

A Surprise from Readers

As her birthday approached, I posted about it on my Facebook page, inviting anyone interested to send Thiel a birthday card. I’ve heard from dozens of readers asking for her address. “My daughters had the privilege of getting cards from her when they attended Sunday school, and she continued to send them as they grew older,” Christen Linders wrote. “I have often thought of her and how she is doing. I would love her address so my now grown daughter can wish her a happy 100th birthday and enclose a photo of herself and her new son!”

A Record for Her Family

Thiel said with a laugh, “I guess I’m trying to make a record for my family.” The number of Americans ages 100 and older is projected to quadruple over the next three decades.

A Century of Connection

What is it like to live through a century of U.S. history, from the first automobiles to the first man on the moon to the first smartphone in the Digital Age? Annabell Anderson will tell us.

Conclusion

Velma Thiel’s story is a testament to the power of connection and joy that can be found in the written word. Her legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire generations to come. As she celebrates her 100th birthday, we are reminded of the importance of human connection and the impact it can have on our lives.