Concordia of Franklin Park resident celebrates 100th birthday

During World War II, with many of their male counterparts away from home serving the military, a group of young women formed what they simply called the club.

“The girls did not have much to do so they started meeting to pass the time,” Marshall resident Carolyn Redfoot reported. “These friendships lasted a lifetime. They have shared weddings, showers, anniversaries, funerals, births of children and grandchildren, and many, many meals together, a lifetime of memories.”

Her mother, Lauretta Critchlow, turned 100 on Aug. 3. The Concordia of Franklin Park resident is the sole surviving club member.

In recognition of the milestone, Forest Hills Borough, where she and her fellow “club girls” met and developed their closeness, presented her with a Centenarian Award on July 4.

Lauretta Schirra was born Aug. 3, 1924, and lived in Wilkinsburg until she married James “King” Critchlow. They lived in Forest Hills, where they raised their four children, Jim, Carolyn, Debbie and Karen.

The Critchlows were married for 55 years, and after James’ death, Lauretta moved to Seville Apartments in Wilkins Township and later to Juniper Village of Forest Hills. In March, she moved to Concordia of Franklin to be closer to Carolyn’s family.

She celebrated her 100th birthday at Concordia with family members from California, Colorado, Delaware, North Carolina, Ohio, Utah and Pennsylvania. In addition to her four married children, she has 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and another great-grandchild due in October.

Lauretta taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school at Christ Lutheran Church in Forest Hills. She assisted her husband with his work as a certified public accountant and “LOVED being a mother,” according to Carolyn Redfoot. “Many people describe her as a very sweet lady.”