What is a supercentenarian? This is the title given to those who have reached the accomplishment of living to be at least 110 years old.

Annabelle Holblinger earned this title three years ago. She just celebrated her 113th birthday on March 16, making her the current oldest living resident in the state of Colorado and the ninth oldest living person in the entire United States!

Only 16 months separate Annabelle from the current front runner of longest living person in the United States.

Born in Callicoon in 1909 to parents George “Charlie” and Wilhelmina Rosenberger, Annabelle took up residence in the hamlet on Kautz Rd.

It was there that Annabelle grew up alongside her six siblings, Mae Kratz, Leo Rosenberger, William Rosenberger, George Rosenberger, Olive Donohue, and Barbara Ryan.

Annabelle married Austrian-born Anton Holblinger, an electrical con­- tractor, the couple took up residency in a fifth floor apartment complex in the Bronx, and later relocated to a home on Long Island.

A hard worker, Annabelle played roles as a homemaker as well as in the workforce. While taking care of her home, Annabelle kept a passion for baking. She also worked as a receptionist and occasional radio repairwoman for Anton’s business. When her two daughters entered their teenage years, Annabelle took up work at Macy’s in the appliance department, and later in women’s clothing.

A sturdy family tree

The Rosenberger family has a history of longevity, including Annabelle’s first cousin, the late Marie Zaletsky, a Callicoon local and fellow supercentenarian who lived to be 110 years old.

Annabelle’s sister, Mae Kratz, lived to be 104, and her two other sisters Barbara Ryan and Olive Donohue both lived to be 95 years old. Her brother Leo lived to be 91, brother William lived to be 89, and brother George was 71 when he passed.

Annabelle has taken residency in Pueblo West, CO with her daughter Anne Beers, 83, and her husband Jerry, since she was 90 years old. Annabelle’s other daughter, Jean Peterman, lives in East Hampton, CT.

Today, many of Annabelle’s nieces and nephews still reside in and around Sullivan County.