Local woman celebrates 106th birthday

A Palm Desert woman celebrated her 106th birthday on September 28th.

Helen Renn was born in 1909, and moved to the Coachella Valley two years ago.

Renn spent most of her life in California, and was born in Pennsylvania.

She was married at the age of 17 while in high school, but didn’t tell anyone about the union until a few months later. Renn and her husband were married until his death in 1988.

Renn’s parents owned a hotel, and she was raised there, says her daughter, Marilyn Jones. Old age does not run in the family. Renn’s mother, brother and father died in their 60’s, although her sister died in the 90’s.

According to Lisa Eichelt, Renn’s caregiver coordinator at Elder Caring, Rennhas two children, 8 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Renn celebrated her birthday by going out to dinner.

So what’s her secret to living so long and being so healthy?

Renn says, believe it or not, but she does not take any medication, and stays away from doctors.