‘I Am Blessed’: Woman Moves to Victorian Village at Age 102

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At age 102, Clara Togtman decided it might be time for her to move to an Independent Living community, and the logical choice was Victorian Village. “I already knew so many people who lived there,” she says. “I knew it would be a great place for me, and it really has been.”

Clara’s story starts when she was born in 1918, the fourth of what would eventually be eight children. Clara’s fiancé was sadly killed in World War II, and she never married, but she has never been alone. With a loving family, including many loving nieces and nephews, Clara has lived an active and social life, particularly in her devotion to her church and those the church serves. She also enjoyed a successful professional career. Clara became Accounting Manager of Kroger, a job she held for over 30 years, in both the Chicago area and in Grand Rapids. It was no surprise that when she celebrated her 100th birthday in 2018, over 200 people attended to honor her long and beautiful life. “The church was packed with people,” says her pastor, Rev. Michael Kooy. “It brought tears to my eyes to see this woman who was loved by so many.”

Clara moved to Victorian Village during the early days of the pandemic, when safety precautions affected much of the day-to-day life at the retirement community. But now that she and most of her neighbors are fully-vaccinated, Victorian Village is returning to pre-pandemic living, and she’s enjoying the lifestyle even more. “I go to dinner every day in our dining room,” she says. “And I love puzzles and games, and there are always people who want to play.” She has also been going to church with her nephew in Palos Heights, as well as attending spiritual services on the Victorian Village campus.

Clara has no plans to slow down. This past March, she celebrated her 103rd birthday at her new home. The faces of residents and staff alike light up at the mention of Clara’s name. Her positive spirit and devotion for service have been infectious and inspiring to those who encounter her. But Clara downplays that service. “I’m just doing what God wants me to do,” she says. “He’s done so much for me.”

Clara continues to look to the future with gratitude and hope. “In my life, I’ve seen a lot of changes in this world,” she says. “I’ve been through the Great Depression and so many other events. God has taken care of me every time. I don’t know what else I will experience, but I know God is with me. I am blessed.”

Clara is just one of the many incredible people living at Victorian Village. For more information or to visit the campus, contact them at vv@provlife.com or (708) 301-0800.

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