Was Cruella really elderly?

Regarding the elderly and Disney films: Although it seems like a silly thing to write a letter to the editor about, as a mother of four, I have seen "101 Dalmatians" many times. I distinctly remember Roger referring to Cruella as Anita's "dearly devoted old schoolmate." I was never under the impression that Cruella De Vil was elderly. If this is a serious issue, I think the researchers need to be a little more careful.

Melinda Gassman

Orem