Few people experience living more than a century, and 103-year-old Neysa Adams, a resident of the Hearth at Drexel, has witnessed everything from the Great Depression and World War II to the Civil Rights movement and 9/11. Along the way she earned degrees in Chemistry and Bacteriology from the University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa at a time when few women were in the sciences, married renowned jurist Arlin Adams, raised three daughters, taught high school English and history, and served as a community leader.

She also met Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II, and U.S. Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Nixon along the way.

Neysa credits these extraordinary experiences to her husband, Arlin, a judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. He was appointed by Richard Nixon and shortlisted for a Supreme Court nomination three times.

“Everything good in my life came from him,” she said.

As Neysa reminisces from her gracefully decorated apartment at the Hearth at Drexel where she recently moved—her television tuned to current events, magazines at her side—it’s clear that she was a force in her own right. Though she held leadership roles in regional, state, and national organizations, she is modest about her work as a trustee and officer for the Federation of Jewish Agencies, United Way Women’s Council, Emergency Aid Foundation of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania, and countless other organizations.

Neysa was also a devoted educator who taught at The Philadelphia High School for Girls. “It was a remarkable experience under Superintendent Helen Bailey,” she said. But no matter where she traveled or who she met, her family always came first.

Love and family: The foundation of her happiness.

Neysa and Arlin were married shortly after World War II began. “He enlisted the day after Pearl Harbor,” she said. “He went into the Navy as an officer and was away for two years in the Pacific.” When he returned, Arlin finished his law degree and the couple started their family. They had three daughters, Carol, Judith, and Jane.

Neysa managed the busy household and was an active member of the community throughout her husband’s distinguished time as a judge and lawyer. The couple was able to travel frequently and even met Pope John Paul II when Arlin was President of the American Philosophical Society. “He shook the hands of everybody in the room,” she remembers with a smile. “It was an incredible, great experience.” During Arlin’s career, they also traveled to China, India, and throughout Europe.

Arlin passed away in 2015. Sadly, Neysa also lost her daughter, Jane, in 2017.

“She was a lovely human being. I guess most everybody feels that way about their kids, but she was very special. You never get over it,” she said.

It was her daughter, Carol, who helped her choose The Hearth at Drexel as her new home. “She was going to be away for a long time in Europe, and I think she wanted to feel that I was being cared for,” Neysa explains. The Hearth’s Main Line location, historic elegance, and personalized care made it the perfect assisted-living community for her.

“It’s beautiful,” she said. “And this is all furniture from home. It’s difficult when you’re just starting and you’re to get everything together, but it brings so much pleasure as a result.”

Aging in place, aging with grace.

The Hearth’s household model ensures that residents enjoy a distinctly luxurious atmosphere. Built around a landmark mansion in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, it blends sophistication and charm with contemporary amenities. Outdoor enclaves, chef’s table dining, salon services, and care tailored to each stage of the aging journey provide both exceptional surroundings and peace of mind.

“It’s gorgeous. The grounds are spectacular,” Neysa said. “And they really try to make everyone happy.”

Living to be 103 does have its share of limitations. Though some mobility issues and limited vision have slowed her down, Neysa participates in many activities at The Hearth and follows current events to keep her mind sharp.

When asked about the secret to her longevity, she offered this advice: “One of my daughters is a doctor…. She would tell her patients, ‘Follow my mother. She got to have these many years because she didn’t smoke and didn’t drink.’” Neysa laughed, then added, “I guess you could call it clean living. And that’s the only secret I can tell you.”

Born shortly after women gained the right to vote, Neysa has weathered a century of world events; met with politicians, presidents, and dignitaries; traveled extensively; and supported her husband and beloved family every step of the way. Her resilience, intellectual curiosity, and dedication to serving others stand as a testament to a life well lived, and she is treasured by her new friends at The Hearth.