Bernice Goldberg and Irene Wocjik. {Courtesy}
By Agrippina Fadel
There must be something in the Tamarac’s water – two more residents celebrated their centenarian birthdays in the past week.
Mayor Michelle Gomez congratulated Irene Wocjik, who turned 101 on August 10, and Bernice Goldberg, who turned 100 on August 13, with an official city proclamation.
Irene celebrated at her home in The Mainlands with her friends and family, and Bernice had a party at the Wickshire Senior Living, where she has been a resident for the past few years.
Irene Wocjik
Born to Viola and Adam Wojciechowski on August 10, 1921, in Detroit, Michigan, Irene grew up with four siblings, Chester, Helen, Gary, and Raymond.
Before retiring, she owned and operated a restaurant in Michigan called Tiki House for 50 years. After moving to South Florida, Irene went back to work at H&R Block.
She has two daughters, Connie and Darlene; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and another one on the way. Irene enjoys using her fire tablet, watching game shows and old movies, and reading books.
A daughter of Polish immigrants, Irene once was a great Polka dancer and used to host the best Luau parties. She sponsored local softball games and supported her neighborhood Catholic church.
Irene Wocjik {Courtesy}
Her daughter Darlene Tombline said Irene has a wonderful attitude about life and still enjoys half a glass of wine a week.
“When I asked her about the secret of long life, she said, “the good Lord doesn’t want me yet,” Darlene added. “She is such a positive person. We try to stay active; I took her to the beach yesterday, and it wore her out, but she enjoyed it.”
Bernice Goldberg
Born to Clara and Hyman Pollack on August 13, 1922, in New York City, Bernice grew up with three siblings, Janet, Libby, and Samuel.
She worked as a Legal Secretary assisting several attorneys at varying law firms in Manhattan and was married to her husband, Morton, for five years.
Bernice and her daughter, Sandra Lynn, had an excellent relationship. Sadly, Bernice has no other surviving family members since Lynn has passed.
An avid golfer and traveler, Bernice loved Venice, Italy.
According to Jennifer Fogle, Wickshire Tamarac Activity Director, she is incredibly bright and still manages several of her personal matters.
“Bernice initially came to Florida to visit a friend. She loved it here so much that she decided to make it permanent. She is a very friendly and outgoing woman. She loves fashion, enjoys shopping, and her favorite designer is Louis Vuitton,” said Fogle.
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