WELLESLEY, Mass. — Herlda Senhouse, renowned for founding a jazz dance group to support Black students during the 1950s, passed away at the age of 113, making her the second-oldest person in the nation. Her death occurred peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, as reported by town public information officer Stephanie Hawkinson. Senhouse had spent the last forty years of her life in Wellesley, Massachusetts.
Hawkinson reflected on her time with Senhouse, noting that the centenarian never missed a chance to expand her knowledge, engage in new experiences, and enhance her life. The two formed a bond after Hawkinson first met Senhouse on her 108th birthday, celebrating together annually since then.
Born on February 28, 1911, in Piedmont, West Virginia, Senhouse relocated to Woburn, Massachusetts, at the age of 16, where she graduated from high school. Despite her aspiration to pursue nursing, her hopes were dashed in 1931 when she was denied admission to a nursing program due to a pre-existing quota for Black students.
In her professional life, she supported herself as a housekeeper for various families and took the initiative to establish the Boston Clique Club. This organization was dedicated to raising funds that aimed to enhance educational opportunities for Black students in the Boston area.
At the age of 105, Senhouse joined the New England Centenarian Study, which investigates the factors behind the slowed aging process in individuals like her. In a generous gesture, she also donated her brain for research purposes, as stated by Hawkinson.
As noted by the Gerontology Research Group, Naomi Whitehead, aged 114 and residing in Greenville, Pennsylvania, is recognized as the oldest living person in the United States. Hawkinson shared that Senhouse often attributed her long life to the choice of not having children, while cherishing the time spent with youth and engaging in caregiving.
Surrounded by a supportive circle of family, friends, and church members, Senhouse was known for her adventurous spirit and vibrant community involvement. Hawkinson concluded her tribute by stating, “She was truly an inspiration to so many in our community.”