The year was 1912. Woodrow Wilson was president, the world was devastated as the Titanic sunk, the ever struggling Chicago Cubs got 21 hits but lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in 11 innings, Federal income tax (at 1%) was signed into law, Charlie Chaplin began his film career and Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, beginning WWI. And, Eva Kicanas was born on June 27, 1912 in St. Paul, MN.
Eva, the tenth of ten children, wanted to go to college, but her father would only allow her seven brothers to choose to go. They all decided not to go to college. Eva married Frederick Kicanas on August 22, 1937 at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul, MN. She moved to Chicago and her family grew to five with daughters Kathy (Kerwin) and Barbara (Yarbrough) and son Gerald (His excellency Bishop Gerald Kicanas of the diocese of Tuscan). Eva was Greek Orthodox and remained so until her father died (so as not to hurt him) and then converted to Catholicism at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. Fr. Norbert Zawistanowicz was instrumental in her conversion and subsequently in Bishop Gerald Kicanas’ vocation. Eva went on to be president of the Legion of Mary and was involved with them for many years.
After a fall which broke her arm nine years ago, Eva moved here. When asked the secret of her long life, she said, “I guess the Lord isn’t done with me yet!” We think her faith, her wonderful outlook on life, and daily exercise are certainly helping her.
Happy birthday Eva! May God continue to bless you with good health, happiness and endless Dairy Queen (her favorite dessert) treats!
Eva cycles on the NuStep machine for 90 minutes a day, and then continues with arm and leg exercises. Many studies and experts extol the health benefits of daily exercise. But, how many of us can truthfully say we do 90 minutes of aerobic exercise? If Eva Kicanas can’t convince us, than nothing can.
Click here to read the article that the Catholic New World did on Eva.
Happy Birthday, Eva!