According to the CDC, the average life expectancy in the United States is 79 years old. However, one Hoboken resident is defying these odds as she celebrates her 106th birthday this year. Meet Petra Ortiz, a longtime Hoboken resident who has witnessed the Mile Square through many transitions. Team HG had a chance to connect with Ms. Petra via her grandson, James Santiago, who assisted in gathering information about her life and translating the interview. Read on to learn more about Petra and her life in Hoboken.
Making the Journey
Petra Ortiz is a native of Puerto Rico, where she was born on May 31, 1920. During the 20s and 30s, Puerto Rico was experiencing mass ‘Americanization,’ economic decline during the Great Depression, and severe natural disasters. Puerto Rico experienced residents leaving the island in droves in search of a better life, with many moving to the Northeast, particularly New York City. By mid-century, Petra did the same. She moved from Puerto Rico to Hoboken in 1956, at the age of 36, in search of a better life.
Family Life
Petra is a proud family woman. James speaks very fondly of her and shared that he was raised by his grandmother since he was 2 months old. She had seven children. Sadly, two of her children passed away as babies, James’ mother passed away in 2010, and one of her sons passed away almost two years ago. She has two daughters and a son remaining, as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a few great-great-grandchildren. James said, “She raised me, and now, it’s my time to help take care of her.” Along with the help of a few home aides, his aunt, and cousin, Petra is well taken care of and continues to thrive in Hoboken.
Life in Hoboken
When she first came to Hoboken, Petra worked at the General Pencil Company in Jersey City for many years. She then went on to work at the Tootsie Roll Factory on Willow Avenue in Hoboken. For 30 years, she lived at 533 Monroe Street before moving to Clock Tower.
One of her favorite pastimes for decades was playing bingo. She could be found at churches throughout the area playing the game, including at St. Francis (across the street from her home), St. Ann’s, and St. Joseph’s. James even remembers tagging along for the walk to St. Lucy’s in Jersey City to watch as his grandmother played. She was also a bingo regular at Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church, where she celebrated her 90th birthday. She now resides at Marion Towers.
Hoboken Favorites
Petra is a true Hoboken girl and can tell you all of her favorites to eat over the years. She has excellent taste, with many of her longtime favorites still standing. Her grandson shares that La Isla on 1st and Washington has always been a favorite of hers, as well as Benny Tudino’s.
James shared that he could remember walking to Leo’s as a child with his grandmother for bar pies that were less than $1 at the time. He also recalled walking to Gustoso’s Bakery on Adams Street to get fresh bread. The bakery was open for over 75 years and was well known for its warm bread…