You can promote a culture that values life by getting married and having children.
Peggy Koller, ninety-nine years old, did exactly that with her husband. Peggy Koller, the Koller grand matriarch of the family, recently celebrated the birth her first child. 100th great-grandchild.
Peggy Koller is the subject of this week’s Feel-Good Friday.
Pennsylvanian woman celebrates the 100th birth of her great-grandchild.
Peggy Koller, 99, of Blue Bell, got to hold the baby, who’s not only special because he’s number 100, but because his name is special, too.
Koller William Balster.
“First thing out of the hospital, we went to Grandmom’s, introduced her to Koller. She was absolutely ecstatic,” the baby’s mother, Chrissy Balster, said.
“I’ve always loved the name Cole. And Chrissy one day was like, ‘What about Koller?’” the baby’s father, Patrick Balster, said. “So we thought about it. Then we went Koller William, which William Koller was (Chrissy’s) grandfather’s name.”
Peggy Koller, an only child, found this quite remarkable. Her plans were to also become a nun. William Koller was able to convince her!
WPVI, a Philadelphia ABC affiliate featured Peggy in 2015. She revealed that she had applied for a position as a nun at high school.
“I actually applied when I was a junior in high school, but (William) talked me out of it,” Peggy told WPVI.
After getting married, they welcomed eleven children. They had 56 grandchildren.
“I wanted to have a big family. I think it’s difficult being an only child. It’s lonely,” Peggy said.
This vision of not being alone has been realized in two generations. There are lawyers and educators in the family, as well real estate investors. Koller funeral home in Philadelphia: A Koller son will take over the family’s business.
“I always hoped for a doctor but never got one,” Peggy said with a laugh.
The 100th great-grandchild honor was up for grabs. Koller’s grandaughters Balster and her cousin Colleen had due dates one day apart. Baby William Koller was able to squeeze in for this special honour. However, 100 and 101 remain healthy and happy.
Parents Patrick and Chrissy Balster gave insight into Grandma Peggy’s strength and long life.
“She does work out twice a day, which is insane,” Patrick said.
“I think faith is the other one, I’d say. Families and faith. That’s what’s been keeping her going,” Chrissy said.
Koller’s reasons to continue living in this life continue to grow. She still believes in the possibility of a new life.
There’s also the ability to roll with the punches of life, or resilience, that could be a contributing factor. You can make a difference if you fight to protect the lives of your loved ones.