It’s really quite amazing. Rosaria Cronwell has been playing Mrs. Claus at a community Christmas party in Niagara Falls for years. She missed one year after being in a car accident, and you bet the kids noticed. She says it’s something she does because it brings her just as much joy as it brings the children, “Just looking at those cute little faces getting ready to speak to Santa. Some of them won’t go to Santa, but they will come to me.”
Why wouldn’t they. Such a sweet, peaceful lady. And would you believe, Rosaria is 93 years old? I know, she looks amazing. She was born on September 7, 1923.
She’s been around for 17 presidents and countless historical events – World War 2, the great depression, President Kennedy’s assassination, and many others. Sure, she’ll chat about that stuff, but what she really likes to talk about – her favorite subject is her family. It’s quite a family. Rosaria has 5 children, 16 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren (plus one due any day now) and one great-great grandchild. She brags about all of them, “None of them has ever gotten into any trouble. They are all loving and respectful. I am very blessed.”
Rosaria says she has loved every family wedding, birthday, high school graduation and oh, all of those babies being born. Her life is full. She lives on her own and cares for herself.
Years ago, she made a bucket list – and has slowly crossed things off. Vegas – check. A cruise – check. A big 90th birthday bash – check! So many wonderful life experiences – a rich, full life. But, there is one thing that lingers. One thing left that she’d really like to do, “I would love to go on a sleigh ride that is drawn by a horse and holds a few people.”
I know what you’re thinking – kind of ironic that Mrs. Claus hasn’t been on a sleigh ride yet. It’s true. For now. But, she says, “My friends have been working on it for a while. They finally found a place close, but now we need the snow.”
Rosaria says she is hoping to bring around 25 of her friends so they can get a good price.
I say if a place that has sleigh rides reads this – maybe you can help out Rosaria. AKA Mrs. Claus.
Surely it will keep you in Santa’s good graces.
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