Hoboken Native Just Turned 101. Who's The Oldest NJ Resident?

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Last week, Emma Chance turned 101.

Chance was born in Hoboken in September 1924 and spent her formative years working at a five-and-dime general store, officials said.

She and her late husband, William Chance, were married for 30 years.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer visited her last week at Brookdale Emerson Assisted Living Center in Emerson, Bergen County, to celebrate her birthday.

He joined Bergen County Commissioner Germaine Ortiz, as well as Bergen County seniors and staff at Brookdale.

Gottheimer brought a birthday cake and a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in Emma’s honor, and thanked nursing home employees for their dedication to North Jersey’s seniors.

Number Of 100-Year-Olds Expected To Quadruple

The oldest New Jersey resident turned 105 last year and had left Nazi Germany as a girl, said a news report.

Pew Research said that the number of American centenarians, age 100 and older, is expected to more than quadruple over the next three decades.

It's projected to climb from an estimated 101,000 in 2024 to about 422,000 in 2054, according to projections from the U.S. CensusBureau.

The 101,000 centenarians make up a third of a percent of the U.S. population, but that would rise to 1 in 100 by 2054.

Back in 1950, there were only about 2,300, Pew said.

'Blessed'

As for Chance, "She has been blessed with a life full of family, including three children, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and even three great-great-grandchildren."

She's lived at Brookdale for the last four years.

Gottheimer said, "It was incredible to celebrate Emma’s 101st birthday here in Emerson. As a lifelong North Jersey resident, her story and commitment
to family are truly inspiring. Our seniors are the heart of our community, and I am grateful to the dedicated staff who care for them every day."

See a video of the visit here.