Northland Strong: Lilly Haldorsen
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Lilly Haldorsen was just 5-years-old when she arrived in Duluth from her home country of Norway. That was in June, 1923.
“My father was in the shipping business. But after the first World War, there was a shortage of work all over Europe. So many people came to the United States,” she said.
Fast forward to June, 2022, she turned 105. And she’s still going strong, even beating breast cancer! We sat down with her inside her East Hillside home, which she built with her husband, Karl.
Along with caring for her family, Lilly enjoyed gardening, painting, and quilting. It’s a little harder to move around now, but she is proud she can still live in her own home.
As for why she has lived so long, she credits good family and friends. And her advice is, “Eat less, move more.”
At five years old, Lilly left her home in Norway. Now at 105, she shares more about her life in Duluth, which includes beating breast cancer.
Lilly has gone back to Norway a couple of times, and can still speak the language.