Stella turns 103

Oasis Rehabilitation and Nursing resident Stella Crennan turned 103 this past Feb. 8. She celebrated with a party surrounded by family, friends and music.

Crennan was born on Feb. 8, 1923, in Middle Island, to polish immigrants, Frank and Frances Kazel. She grew up on the family potato farm in Yaphank as one of eight children. During WWII, she worked at Camp Upton. She was married to George Crennan Jr. on Aug.1, 1948. Together, they moved to Eastport and raised two children, Cherie and Randy. After being a stay-at-home mom taking care of her children, she became a caregiver to the elderly and infirm at their homes, working well into her 80s.

George died in 1976; at that time, she moved to Manorville. Today, Crennan has three grandchildren, Mark, Matthew and Meredith; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews who all visit her at the nursing home. The key to a long life, she said, has been her love of faith, family and friends. And, of course, Polish genes! She said she always makes the best of everything and being with her family makes her the happiest. She also really loves music and loved to dance. She exercises daily, but always loves her sweets.