EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — An iconic woman who had the chance to dance and perform for Pope John Paul in 1987 will celebrate her 102nd birthday later this month at her senior living community in El Paso.
Bertha Evans’ celebration will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, at The Legacy at Cimarron.
Evans was born on Sept. 14, 1923, in Freeland, Pennsylvania. She has witnessed remarkable changes and lived through a century of American history.
During World War II, Evans traded small-town life for factory work, stitching uniforms for soldiers overseas. She became one of the original “Rosie the Riveters,” women who kept America’s manufacturing industry running while the men were busy winning a war, according to a news release sent by The Legacy at Cimarron.
In 1946, Evans found love when she met and married John Yenshaw, with whom she had six children, three boys and three girls, keeping busy for 23 years until his passing.
But that wasn’t the end of Evans’ love story. In 1971, she married David Evans, beginning a 44-year partnership that lasted until his passing in 2015, according to the news release.
The Evans couple were Polish folk dancers; they twirled their way through local performances and eventually performed for Pope John Paul II during his 1987 visit to San Antonio.
She still keeps those dance costumes — some outfits are too good to donate.
“Dancing for the Pope probably ranks somewhere between winning the lottery and discovering the perfect apple pie recipe on life’s achievement scale,” read the news release.
Years later, Evans now spends much of her time reading, writing poetry, and keeping up with family on her smartphone.
She moved to The Legacy at Cimarron on Valentine’s Day this year, where she is surrounded by the love of her 11 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and a lifetime of memories, according to the news release.
When asked about her secret to longevity, Evans credits a simple lifestyle — “avoiding drinking and smoking, steering clear of late nights, and never skipping dessert.”
“Bertha’s life is woven into the fabric of Texas and our nation’s history,” Jacob Boggs, executive director of The Legacy at Cimarron, said. “From her work as a Rosie the Riveter to dancing for Pope John Paul II, her story reflects resilience, love, and joy. It is an honor to celebrate her 102nd birthday and to have her as part of our community.”
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