By Rick Banas of BMA Management, Ltd.
Last weekend was cause for special celebration for two residents of BMA assisted living communities.
Gertrude Worth (top right), a resident of Heritage Woods of McHenry, and Lelia Donelson (bottom right), a resident of Heritage Woods of McLeansboro, both turned 106 years of age.
Gertrude celebrated her 106th birthday with a big party at Heritage Woods of McHenry. She was surrounded by her family, friends and residents and staff of the affordable assisted living community as McHenry Mayor Susan Low read a proclamation in her honor.
Gertrude, who is a native of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, is the oldest of three children. She has lived at Heritage Woods since the community opened five years ago. She loves to get dressed up for large gatherings in the community and enjoys reading, putting together puzzles, spending time with family – and her parakeet Harriet, who lives with Gertrude in her Heritage Woods apartment.
Recently, Gertrude – who has five children, 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren – welcomed her first great-great grandchild. She has a special connection with the new addition; the baby was due on Sept. 1 – her birthday.
The former Chevrolet Motor Sales secretary has fond memories of her past, including a three-month trip to Europe and the concerts she attended with Ralph, her husband of 53 years, in Woodstock. She is an active resident with a kind soul – and she looks much younger than her 106 years.
Laughter – and a good sense of humor – are what Gertrude says have helped her live a long, healthy life.
Heritage Woods of McLeansboro hosted a special Birthday Party for Lelia last Friday.
McLeansboro Mayor Dick Deitz, who presented Lelia with a key to the city when she turned 100, came back to Heritage Woods for Lelia’s 106th Birthday Celebration. He presented her with a framed proclamation that recognized her as the oldest registered voter in Hamilton County.
Lelia was touched by the proclamation and the party. Through tears, she told the Mayor and her guests thank you for giving her a birthday party she will never forget.
A favorite among residents of Heritage Woods, Lelia is known for her contagious smile. An avid dominoes player, Leila loves to sit outside in the sunshine. Her family lives nearby, and they stop in often to visit Lelia and to play the piano, sing and entertain the residents.
At 106, she continues to maintain an active lifestyle and that makes her happy. She says that it’s hard not to keep smiling when life has been this good to you.
All affordable assisted living communities managed by BMA Management, Ltd. are certified and surveyed by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. All assisted living communities are licensed and surveyed by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
“BMA Management, Ltd. is the leading provider of assisted living in Illinois
and one of the 20 largest providers of assisted living in the United States.”
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