Taking a simple approach to life has apparently paid off for Betty Logan of O’Hara.
The spunky 99-year-old former homemaker recently welcomed TribLive into her home to chat about her life, daily habits and upcoming plans as she prepares to celebrate her 100th birthday on May 6.
Dressed neatly and sporting a fresh wash-and-set hairstyle, Logan reminisced about her wedding day in 1947, holding a photo of her then-21-year-old self.
The decades didn’t reveal much difference as fresh-faced Logan discussed her skin regimen.
“I use soap and water every day, and I moisturize with Vaseline Intensive Care lotion with cocoa butter,” she said. “I’m not a fancy girl.”
Often asked by folks about the secret to her longevity, Logan shared her lifelong approach to living.
“Mind your own business. I say don’t worry about what your neighbor has, just thank God for what you’ve got,” Logan said. “That’s the way I feel.”
Logan has lived in the same O’Hara home she shared with her late husband, Raymond, since 1950.
The couple were married for 42 years, with Raymond working at a steel mill and Betty working as a homemaker raising their three children.
Her typical routine includes waking up at 9 a.m., making a breakfast of toast and jelly with two cups of coffee, having a light lunch and, later, cooking dinner.
Dining out involves steak at her two favorite spots: Texas Roadhouse and Longhorn Steakhouse.
“I get the filet — medium,” she noted. “And I eat anything I want. I’m not too big on vegetables.”
Logan owns a cellphone and texts but shuns having a computer or email.
Forget streaming channels like Netflix, Logan prefers watching regular, local television channels and enjoys viewing murder mysteries, “Family Feud” and the news.
A bundle of energy, she takes only one medication — for high blood pressure.
Logan gave up driving when she was 93 but otherwise cooks and manages her daily living tasks solo.
“I absolutely vacuum and clean. I want that,” she said.
O’Hara public service employee Jerry Chalmers is a constant presence in Logan’s life.
He checks in on her just about every day, and Logan calls him her “No. 2 son.”
“Betty was always in my life, from day one,” said Chalmers, who stopped by during the interview. “We all grew up here together, and we’re all like family.”
Logan ventured outside to her large backyard, remarking on the warm, beautiful weather, pointing out an old metal pole where she once hung her family’s laundry and a hillside that she said will soon be abloom.
Logan mowed her lawn up until a few years ago, and she still keeps her home tidy and immaculate.
“Monday was wash day, Tuesday was ironing,” Logan said. “I don’t know who irons anymore, but I do.”
Living in the Pleasant Valley area of O’Hara, her three children all graduated from Fox Chapel Area High School.
“The best time was when I was with my children, during the 1960s and ’70s, because I was a home person and my family meant everything to me,” she said.
Family first
A framed photo of Logan’s parents on their wedding day hangs in her living room along with photos of her seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
For Logan, working to help out the family began when she was young after her parents settled in Pittsburgh and started a family in Pittsburgh’s Hays neighborhood.
“They were Hungarian immigrants, met at Ellis Island. It was a whirlwind courtship,” she said. “They were Elizabeth and Joseph Szigeti, and they became American citizens.”
The fourth of five siblings, Logan is the only surviving sibling living in Pittsburgh. She has a sister in Florida.
Logan had to drop out of high school while attending Taylor Allderdice High School and sought work as a grocery clerk to help her family make ends meet.
Turning 100
Proudly saying she “earned all of her wrinkles,” Logan is looking forward to ringing in her 100th birthday with family and friends — and likely a toast with beer or wine.
“I like Coors Lite,” she said. “And I love all cake. There’s going to be a big celebration, according to my family,” Logan said.
This year’s birthday won’t be quite as adventurous as past ones, like the time she took a hot-air balloon ride on her 70th birthday or the birthday gift of a helicopter tour over Pittsburgh.
“I am feeling wonderful. Every day is a good day,” she said.
