A Century of Kindness: Virginia Lonchar Celebrates 100 Years of Life, Love, and Family

Virginia (Yendell) Lonchar of Overbrook Pointe, a vibrant and fiercely independent woman, recently celebrated a remarkable milestone—her 100th birthday. Born in her grandmother’s house in Lawrenceville on January 23 1925, Virginia spent part of her early childhood in Crider’s Corner, back then, a quiet farming community in Cranberry Twp. near where a Denny’s restaurant now stands. Back then, it was a peaceful area filled with open fields and family farms—a far cry from the bustling commercial hub it is today. Despite the many changes around her, Virginia’s life remains rooted in the values of family, resilience, and gratitude for life’s simple joys.

Virginia grew up during the Great Depression. Her early years were marked by hardship and resourcefulness, experiences that shaped her enduring spirit. She still has her family’s World War II ration books, a tangible reminder of the era’s scarcity.

“We were taught not to waste anything,” she says. Even today, she treasures those old books, recalling that they allowed her family to exchange coupons for essentials, including shoes.

Graduating from West View High School in 1943 during World War II, Virginia earned a scholarship and attended night school to learn how to operate a comptometer, the first key-driven mechanical calculator. She worked for 3 ½ years in an office while her husband, Andrew “Andy” Lonchar, attended Duquesne University on the G.I. Bill after the war.

Married for 68 ½ years, Virginia credits their long, happy marriage to one simple rule: “It takes cooperation.”

Virginia’s life has always revolved around her family. She raised five daughters—three of whom became teachers, one a nurse and another a dietician. Her family now includes 10 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and another on the way. Despite raising a large family, she found time to volunteer as a 4-H leader for 22 years, helping her daughters develop confidence and responsibility. Through 4-H, her girls traveled to Harrisburg, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.

“It taught them to work with children, adults, and government officials,” Virginia proudly notes.

Her daughter Gail Simpson recalls her mother as “quiet and soft-spoken,” but with a steely resolve when pushed too far. Virginia herself admits with a laugh, “When my back is touching the wall, then I came out firing.”

Virginia fondly remembers simple joys—riding streetcars to Pittsburgh with her mother, family picnics at North Park, and helping her brother promote the local motor scooter business by perching on his shoulders as he drove around. One of her favorite memories is baking her cherished Black Midnight Cake from the Betty Crocker cookbook, a family favorite to this day.

An avid seamstress, Virginia enjoyed sewing and making clothes for children. She also loved taking her daughters on “Girls’ Day Out” shopping trips, while the men stayed home with the younger children.

“I’m rich in children,” she often says, believing that life’s true wealth lies in family. “You don’t get some of the things others might, but you always have somebody around for you.”

In addition to her devotion to family, Virginia has a remarkable zest for life. Even now, she walks five times a week, covering each floor of Overbrook Pointe three times, including the stairs. She stays connected with her family through technology, delighting in the digital photo frame they gifted her, which automatically updates with pictures from their phones. After visiting with one of her daughters, she returned home to discover 54 new photos waiting for her on the digital frame.

When asked about the secret to a long life, Virginia says, “Kindness. It accomplishes more than anything I know. You’ve got to keep moving and using your mind.”

Reflecting on her favorite advances in technology, she cheerfully answers, “Everything.” From the days of washing clothes with a tub and washboard to enjoying instant photo sharing, Virginia has embraced change with grace and curiosity.

On January 25, Virginia’s family will gather to celebrate a century of her extraordinary life. As they come together, they will honor a woman whose kindness, strength, and love have touched generations. For Virginia Lonchar, life has been about more than milestones—it’s been about finding joy in the everyday, staying curious, and, most importantly, cherishing the people who surround her.

As she looks forward to her next chapter, Virginia smiles and says simply, “I just enjoy life.”