On September 16, 2025, we celebrated a remarkable milestone; our longtime member and friend, Betty Taylor, turns 100 years old (technically on September 17). Betty has been part of the DAC family since 1996 (with a two-year hiatus over-seas in 1998-2000) and remains active in Aqua Fit multiple times a week, and her walks at Mount Pisgah and the Masonic Cemetery. Fitness has been a constant in her life; from 100-mile bike rides across Ohio, another in Missouri, and to a yoga practice spanning more than 45 years. Now, her favorite is Aqua Fit taught by Craig twice a week. When asked about her secret to living to 100, her favorite quip is “Gin martinis. Hendrick’s with cucumber if you have it.”. Though, she does love an olive.
Originally from Kentucky and Illinois, Betty worked in Eugene in 1979 for a doctoral sabbatical at the University of Oregon. She taught at Lane Community College, Southwestern Oregon Community College, and Oregon State University before settling here permanently in 1983. Though her teaching resume is something to be proud of, she also served 24 years (six terms) on the Eugene City Council. She resigned in 2020 when she was 95 years old, and is the longest-serving councilor in Eugene’s history.
Betty keeps her life philosophy simple: “Keep breathing” and “Don’t be afraid to be yourself.” She believes that education and travel are among life’s best investments, along with finding work you truly enjoy and contributing to your community. Her travels have taken her to England (for its rich literary history), Russia, Nepal, and on dozens of train journeys around the world.
Looking back, she’s grateful to those who shaped her: a teacher who helped her win a spelling bee in first grade, her first yoga teacher from a church camp in Wisconsin, the joy of skating, her first job at an ice cream parlor, and the novelty of eating pizza for the first time around 1950.
Her advice to younger DAC members is this: “Take care of yourself. Stay active. And remember, you’ll never regret any education or travel.”
Her birthday celebrations include a family dinner with family traveling from multiple states, a backyard party, and a special DAC gathering after her Aqua Fit class. She’s already received a large bottle of Hendrick’s gin as an early birthday gift- which is well deserved.
As Betty puts it, “Don’t be afraid to be yourself.” At 100 years old, she’s proof that authenticity, humor, community, and staying active make a life well-lived. Happy Birthday, Betty! Here’s to many more moments of joy, movement, and martinis.
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The DAC’s blog content is not medical advice; it’s inspiration to live well. Our community health club goes beyond a gym – in providing fitness, weight loss, strength training, aquatics and swim lessons, childcare programs, and group fitness including yoga, barre, Pilates, dance and cycling. Check the DAC blog often for more healthy lifestyle tips, recipes, and resources to support your active lifestyle! Click here, or email Janet at jpruiz@downtownac.com, for a free guest pass to experience the DAC for yourself!
