Herlda Senhouse, the oldest resident in Wellesley and Massachusetts, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 113 on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
She was a true inspiration and role model with her warm and generous spirit, kindness, and zest for life.
Known as "Auntie" to her family and many friends, Herlda shared her wisdom with younger generations, was devoted her church community at Myrtle Baptist Church in West Newton, and never passed up the opportunity to do more, learn more, and experience more.
She had a quick wit, a kind smile, and loved celebrations, marking her last few birthdays with parties and trips to Encore Casino in Everett.
As Wellesley's oldest resident, Herlda was recognized every year with the Boston Post Cane from the Town and the Wellesley Historical Society, an honor she first received in 2016 and repeated every year on her birthday for the last eight years.
Born on February 28, 1911 in Piedmont, West Virginia, Herlda was sent to live with an aunt in Woburn, Massachusetts at age 16 and graduated from Woburn High School. She married William Senhouse in 1933; the couple was married for 62 years until he passed away.
Herlda worked as a housekeeper and nanny for many years and in the 1950's founded the Boston Clique Club, a jazz dance group that raised money to improve educational opportunities for Black students in Boston.
She lived in Wellesley for more than 45 years and remained engaged in the community and civic affairs. One of her last activities was to vote by mail in the 2024 Presidential election.
For many years, Herlda took part in the New England Centenarian Study at Boston University, to help researchers better understand how the very old like her age so slowly and delay or escape aging-related diseases.
She continues to inspire even after her death. In true Herlda fashion, she made arrangements to have her brain donated to researchers to further studies on longevity.
Thank you, Herlda. We were lucky to know you.