100 Years Young: Kaiser Permanente Celebrates Long-Time Member

At the age of 100, Betty Kessler can still remember becoming a member of Kaiser Permanente in the 1960’s, as the health system was expanding in San Diego County. “I remember trying to sign up, and Kaiser Permanente was so new that they couldn’t take me right away!” says Betty, who has remained a member of the organization ever since. 

On Monday, May 19, the Kaiser Permanente South Bay Medical Center celebrated Betty’s centennial with her family and primary care physicians. Born on March 25, 1914 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she moved to her current home in Palos Verdes Estates in 2003 in order to be closer to her family. Betty lives with her son, Tom, and maintains an active schedule—playing bridge at the Torrance YMCA, attending services at Rolling Hills United Methodist Church, caring for the family pets and helping to maintain their household. 

Unfortunately, Betty’s husband passed away in 1961 as the result of lung cancer, when their son was only five years old. Raising Tom as a single mother, Betty managed her salary as a school secretary carefully. She organized summer road trips for the two of them, often oriented around her son’s budding interest in aerospace, and the pair covered 45 states by the time he left for college. As someone who has always loved to drive, Betty was proud to pass her most recent road test. While she only drives during the daytime and around her neighborhood, Betty enjoys the freedom of being able to take herself to appointments and to run local errands. 

“Betty has a wonderful spirit and sense of humor. That’s what we want for all of our members—a happy, active life full of meaningful personal connections” said Dr. Barbara Carnes, area medical director for Kaiser Permanente South Bay Medical Center. “It’s an honor for us to serve as Betty’s care team. After almost fifty years with Kaiser Permanente, she feels like part of the family!”  

Betty, who underwent successful heart surgery in 1982 and takes medications to manage her cholesterol, is in good health as she starts her 100th year. She cites the stairs that lead from her bedroom to the family living area as her regular exercise, and credits her long, healthy life to staying active and having a sense of humor.