**Centenarian Twins Share Secrets to Longevity**
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In an inspiring tale of remarkable resilience and vitality, Jane Southwick and her twin brother Bill Abbott, born in Hawaii in 1926, celebrate a century of life enriched with family bonds and a commitment to healthy living. As they reminisce about their long journey, the twins reveal insights into their longevity and the joys of family life.
Richard, their elder brother, passed away last year just a month shy of his 103rd birthday, underscoring the family’s legacy of longevity. Jane, now 100, recalls the surprising day she was born. “They had no idea Bill was in there. After I was born, they were like, ‘Wait. There’s another [baby],’” she shared during a recent interview from her residence in Livermore, California. The twins were shipped off to New York just a month after birth, with cabin drawers serving as makeshift cribs on the journey.
Throughout their lives, Jane and Bill have navigated significant hurdles, including surviving cancer and heart complications. “We’re still kids,” they quipped in a joint conversation, reflecting their spirited outlook on life. Growing up in a Navy family, the twins spent their formative years travelling between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland before eventually settling in California’s Long Beach and Oakland for their schooling.
Their family history is noteworthy, with both parents living into their 90s. Jane expressed gratitude for the time spent with family, saying, “One of the nice things about having parents living so long is that we were able to share a lot of family stories.” These gatherings in the Bay Area are filled with joy, as they share moments with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Jane credits her mother, Loreen, with introducing her to her late husband, Ernie, during their college years at UC Berkeley. Their love blossomed when Ernie offered Jane a ride amid a bus strike, leading her to declare, “I thought ‘Wow!’ It was love.” Together, they raised five children, with Jane eventually pursuing a career in child development and writing a historical book about her great-grandfather, who served during the Civil War.
Throughout their century-long lives, both Jane and Bill have faced adversities with courage and grace. Jane recalls overcoming breast cancer shortly after retiring in the 1980s. Bill, who lives nearby in Pleasanton, also faced health challenges, experiencing a heart attack about a decade ago. With Nancy, Jane’s daughter, moving in to assist her mother, the family has maintained a close network of support. “I steal her a lot,” Bill joked, highlighting the familial ties that ground their lives.
Their shared optimism is reflected in humorous anecdotes, such as Jane revealing her heart doctor’s comment that she “has a 60-year-old heart.” Bill’s doctor reassured him, “Well, you’re 100 years old. Your heart is doing just as good as it can.” Both twins advocate for active lifestyles and credit their good health to their upbringing, which included parents who abstained from tobacco and alcohol.
Bill’s history as a high school swimmer and a veteran of the USS California during World War II further portrays a life of activity and service. He retired from his role as an AT&T engineer and fondly remembers his wife, Patricia, who passed in 2005 after a 55-year marriage. The couple adopted a niece when she was just two years old, showcasing their commitment to family.
In recent years, the twins embarked on various travels with family, often including their late brother Richard. Jane’s initial request to join a trip to Alaska marked the beginning of many adventures together. Their travels took them to places including Hawaii and Italy, where memorable moments included navigating lost belongings and savouring fine wines. Their last excursion, prior to the pandemic, was a tour of the Western parks, which included a thrilling helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon.
Today, Jane’s home serves as a gathering spot for large family celebrations, filled with festive cheer during Christmas and special milestones, such as the twins’ recent centenary birthday party. Reflecting on loss, Jane keeps the ashes of her husband and son Mark on a shelf, playfully stating, “They’re waiting till I pass away and then we go together.” With a twinkle in her eye, she added, “But that’s not going to be for a few years.”
With their warm spirits, Jane and Bill not only demonstrate the power of family ties, but also an enduring zeal for life that continues to inspire those around them. Their story reminds us of the importance of connection, love, and optimism as we navigate the journey of life.