Secrets of Longevity: Rosamond Loomis, 98, La Jolla
By Faryar Borhani
Rosamond Loomis, 98
Nearly 100 years old, Rosamond Loomis has lived a long life. After graduating from Hollins University in Virginia in 1929 with an English degree, the aspiring teacher obtained a master’s from Harvard University. Her degrees were mere starting points for her aspirations to one day help gifted students all over the country. She went on to teach in cities and towns across the United States.
In Charleston, South Carolina one of her students was Barbara Pierce, who later became First Lady Barbara Bush. She says the greatest achievement in her teaching career was the position of head mistress of Bishop’s School in La Jolla, which began in 1953 and lasted until her retirement in 1963.
“It was during my first year at Bishop’s, during the commencement, where I knew I had made it,” Loomis said. “I was asked to give a speech to the all girl audience and special guest (former First Lady) Eleanor Roosevelt. It was then, after seeing all the girls touched by my words, that I knew I had finally made it to where I wanted to be.”
Although Loomis isn’t as mobile as she used to be, her favorite hobby is still staying in contact with nearly all of the friends she has made in her extraordinary life. Despite breaking her right wrist several years ago and being diagnosed with osteoporosis, Loomis still finds time to keep in touch with those she loves.
“You can say my biggest hobbies aren’t really hobbies, they are interests. Interests in people in my life,” Loomis said. Today, Loomis stays in touch with most of her former students. She attends church every week, visits Bishop’s School from time to time, attends keynote speeches at local community centers and writes for the Hollins University newsletter.
Her career in academics is noteworthy, but what remains close to her heart are her 31 stepchildren. Loomis married at 52, something her mother “never thought she would see before she passed away.” Although she never had her own children, Loomis was able to take care of and raise her husband’s children and ultimately, their future families.
“I have lived a long life because I have always been responsible for somebody or something my entire life,” Loomis added. “I have never felt sorry for myself, I have been rich in friends all my life and for that I am grateful.”
She considers herself fortunate enough to have a loving family who comes to visit her regularly, and “a family of students all over the world” that still write to her.
DIET: Loomis starts off each day with a bowl of hot cereal, fruits and four prunes. She prides herself on eating foods with low salt and refuses to eat fried meals.
EXERCISE : Loomis will take walks from time to time with the assistance of a walker.
FAMILY: Husband passed away 14 years ago at 93, has 31 stepchildren, two brothers, one nephew, two grand nieces, two grand nephews and one great grand niece.
MEDICAL HISTORY : Suffers from osteoporosis.
MOTTO : “Living a long life to me is about being happy, and staying true to who you are.”
FUN FACT: Loomis received over 100 birthday cards for her 98th birthday, from friends and past students, some of whom sent letters from as far as Afghanistan, Norway and France.
