- April 25, 2024
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Bea Hornby leads an exercise class at the VFW. Photo by Jacque Estes
Bea Hornby goes through one of her photo albums at the Palm Coast VFW. Photo by Jacque Estes
Bea Hornby, far left, in a photo with her New Jersey bowling team. Courtesy photo
Bea Hornby was 21 when she worked in a Navy shipyard in World War II. She is third from the left in the second photo. The plaque hangs in the Palm Coast VFW. Courtesy photo
Bea Hornby leads an exercise class at the VFW. Photo by Jacque Estes
Bea Hornby leads an exercise class at the VFW. Photo by Jacque Estes
Connie Greenwood talks with Bea Hornby after class. When Greenwood visits her mom, Dottie King, she likes to work out in Hornby's class. Photo by Jacque Estes
Bea Hornby points to photos of herself when she worked in a Navy shipyard during World War II. The plaque is hanging at Palm Coast VFW 8696. Photo by Jacque Estes
The ladies in Bea Hornby’s morning exercise class at Palm Coast VFW 8696 grumble in playful resistance to the exercises Hornby is leading them through. The ladies range in age from 56 to 85 and their objections would be understandable -- if Hornby wasn’t 20 to 40 years older and getting ready to celebrate her 100th birthday.
“She sits in the lotus position and none of us can do it. Can you do it?” Besty Klitch asked. “She’s 100!”
Hornby took the class over from its founder, Anita Vardarkis, 18 years ago, when Hornby was a mere 81. She is a force to be reckoned with, and as she recalls her life, it is evident she always has been.
Born in Highlands, New Jersey, on Sept. 8, 1916, she survived the hurricane that tore through South Florida in 1926, worked in the RCA factory, and was a real-life Rosie the Riveter during World War II while her husband, Thomas, was overseas serving in the Merchant Marines. Her father, a carpenter, taught her to read blueprints, a skill that gave her a quick promotion at the shipyard during the war.
“She was the very first person I met here,” Patsy Farmer said during a water break. “She is the one who told me about the exercise class.”
Farmer unrolls her yoga mat for the second half of the exercise hour. Behind Farmer is the youngest member of the group, Connie Greenwood, 56. Greenwood lives in Connecticut and was visiting her mother, Dottie King.
“When I visit, I beg my mother – ‘take me to your class,’” Greenwood laughed.
Exercise, reading and crossword puzzles have been a part of Hornby’s entire life. She and her brother and sisters would swim the river in front of their home, walk across the land and swim in the ocean.
Her family lived a brief time in Hollywood, Florida, in 1925. Just long enough to experience what is often referred to as the “Great Miami Hurricane of 1926,” a Category 4 storm that destroyed everything, including the Hornby home.
The family moved back to New Jersey, but Hornby would return to Miami and visit Hollywood on vacations with her husband, Thomas. In 1986, she moved to Palm Coast.
Hornby is an active member of the Palm Coast VFW. The VFW is proud of their Rosie the Riveter, who has served as chaplain, president of the auxiliary, treasurer and many other positions. She is also included on the World War II honor wall. A birthday bash is planned for Friday, Sept. 2 at the VFW. The night will include dinner and dancing and live music by Tim Rippey.
“Her one birthday request was that Tim Rippey would sing at her party,” her friend Mary McDermott said. “It’s part of her gift from her son George, who will be coming from California for the party.”
Stay active -- “The condo has a swimming pool and I am still swimming.”
Read – “I am an avid reader. I have piles of books and like mysteries. I read the whole paper before I get out of bed in the morning.”
Drinking – “I drink a glass of wine once a week, maybe.”
Smoking – “I have never smoked. Tried it – didn’t like it.”
There is no “secret” – “Just keep active I guess.”
The Palm Coast VFW Auxiliary, 47 Old Kings Road N., will celebrate Bea Hornby’s 100th birthday on Friday, September 2. A special dinner dance is scheduled featuring her favorite entertainer Tim Rippey. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and a chicken dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. Space is limited. Call 446-8696.
