Ann (Rose) Kuta Turns 104

Prominent Castro Valley resident Ann Kuta turns an amazing 104 years old today (January 25). As a child, her daughter, Jan Kuta, remembers her mother saying, “You are what you eat. Eat quality food, live a quality life."

Ann grew up on a farm in Dwight, Illinois, with 11 other siblings before venturing to Chicago. She married in 1940 and spent two years as a civil service worker in Pearl Harbor in 1942. She had two children by 1955.

In 1963, the family moved to Castro Valley after a friend recommended its peaceful country living, clear air, and slower pace. Ann enjoyed tending to her rose and vegetable garden, attending daily exercise classes, and taking long walks at Lake Chabot. Ann held various jobs, including 15 years as an Avon representative, winning awards for top seller.

She was a regular attendee at Our Lady of Grace Church and a member of the St. Catherine’s Guild and the Italian Catholic Federation. Ann believes that her strong Italian genes (she has a 93-year-old baby sister), peaceful living, and healthy food contribute to her long life.