Lentz, Mary Ellen

Born at Watsonville, CA to Yugoslavian immigrant parents. Supposedly deafened at 16 months from shock in a freak accident that also seriously burned her forearms. Learned first gestures from her parents, then American Indian sign language at an Indian reservation near her home before entering the California School for the Deaf, Berkeley, where she learned American Sign Language as a third language. Graduated CSD in 1943 and married Gilmer Lentz. Ran a child care center in her home and also became a certified water safety instructor. In 1970, took several aerobic courses at five different colleges, then herself became a certified aerobics instructor in 1988 at the age of about 65. Was in high demand as an aerobics instructor, leader, and workshop speaker for senior citizens, deaf persons, and many more groups. Deaf daughter is Ella Mae Lentz (q.v.).