OSHKOSH, Wis.— Born over a century ago, Ruth Stryzewski has lived through two world wars, two pandemics, and everything in between. On Feb. 20, she’ll celebrate her 109 birthday.

Stryzewski has been popular around Park View Health Center for years. She moved to the center at the age of 99 and attended exercise classes regularly as a 107-year-old. She’s now reached a new level of fame.

“'Ruth,' I said, 'you are a celebrity and you don’t even realize it totally,'” said Ingrid Garrison, Park View’s activity specialist. “She’s like, 'Wow!”'

Born in 1912, Ruth lived through the Spanish flu pandemic. In December, she tested positive for the coronavirus and spent ten days in a COVID-19 unit.

Dave and other loved ones were deeply concerned over Stryzewski's health but she pulled through and is just fine.

“Her symptoms were not severe and she came out of it without any serious difficulty,” said Dave.

Stryzewski is back in her normal room now. There’s a great buzz around her upcoming birthday but the pandemic will put a damper on her 109th. Due to safety protocols, Dave and Chris are the only ones allowed to visit.

Stryzewski misses visits from other family, friends and pastors who would normally check up on her. 

Under the circumstances, the Mistereks will try to make the best of it. 

“We’ll just go in and try to enjoy the day with a piece of cake,” said Dave.

Until the big day next weekend, Park View staff will continue reading Stryzewski her birthday cards from around the world.

Over 200 birthday cards from complete strangers have flooded Stryzewski's mailbox recently.

“From all over the world. New Zealand, Canada, Florida, California, Arizona,” said Garrison. “She’s like, 'Why are all these people writing these cards to me?' I told her, 'Honey, you’re going to be 109.”'

Her nephew Dave Misterek and his wife Chris are dedicated visitors. 

Dave, who’s 73, now looks after his aunt. He refers to her as Esther because of her father. After her baptism, her father sat the family down and announced from that point forward, she would go by her middle name, Esther. The reason? The thick German accent of the priest made "Ruth" sound more like "Root."

Recently Dave, who lovingly refers to his aunt by her middle name Esther, updated her on what happened on Groundhog Day.

“In many cases, she’ll bring back memories of when she was a child. That long term memory at her age is to me, amazing,” said Dave. 

Dave lived just two doors down from his aunt as a child, spending lots of time with her over the years. She always had candy on hand for her "Little Dave."

Stryzewski enjoyed singing and traveling in her younger years. She worked for Miles Kimball in Oshkosh and was the first person in that company to use an electric typewriter. Nowadays, her vision and hearing are failing her.

“She will not recognize us until we can put on her ear earphones and speak into the microphone,” said Dave.

But she still has a sense of humor.

“Sometimes she’ll reach over and touch my beard and say, 'Do you still have that?'” said Dave.

Stryzewski and her husband Elmer were married for more than 60 years and never had children of their own. He passed away in 2003.

“She truly is an inspiration to so many. She is a very resilient lady, someone that’s very strong in her faith and family. I actually believe she’s come this far because of her faith in God and her family,” said Garrison.