By Claire Drewniak and Kevin Coughlin
How many candles can you fit on a holiday fruitcake?
Arbor Terrace in Morris Plains may find out on Christmas, when resident Angelina MaryAnn Beller celebrates her 100th birthday.
“I don’t feel like a hundred. I feel 25 years old,” Angelina said with a laugh on Wednesday, through a mask via Zoom.
To put this milestone in perspective, Angelina’s birth in Newark on Dec. 25, 1920, came only weeks after women voted for the first time. (Warren Harding won the White House.)
Babe Ruth had socked 54 homers in his first season with the Yankees. Movies were silent and tickets cost 15 cents. Wallace Reid and Marguerite Clark were the top stars.
Oh yes, and a global pandemic finally was winding down. Angelina has some experience in that department: She had COVID-19 earlier this year.
“Just like a little cold. A runny nose, that’s it,” said Nursing Assistant George Carvajal, describing Angelina as easygoing with a healthy appetite.
The coronavirus ravaged many long term care facilities. But Arbor Terrace has had only one confirmed COVID case among residents, and six among staffers, with no fatalities, according to state records.
WORDS TO LIVE BY
An afternoon drive-by fire truck parade and socially distanced visit from Mayor Jason Karr are planned for Angelina on Christmas Eve, said Leah McRae, engagement director of the senior living residence. Skip the gifts, please.
“I don’t want them. I tell them ahead of time, get what you want,” said Angelina, a grandmother of four.
While she insists her centennial will be “just another day,” staff members said she is pleased with cards and flowers saluting the occasion. She can’t recall favorite singers actors or presidents; she is happy savoring the moment.
“I like people. I like ’em all,” Angelina said.
The daughter of Italian immigrants, Angelina attended Newark’s Central High School, where she met her future husband, Johann Robert Beller, a German immigrant.
Although they were close, they only began dating after reconnecting as adults. Angelina was a wartime Army bride.
“In fact, my father was supposed to come home from Missouri to get married, but his flight got canceled, so she took buses to get there to marry him in 1942,” said their son, Robert.
The couple also had a daughter, Marlene. They raised their family in Union and Fanwood. Angelina had one rule at Christmas:
“She made it known early on that she would not host Christmas dinner as a younger person, because since it’s her birthday, she didn’t want to make supper,” her son recounted.
Angelina said she delegated holiday kitchen duties to her mother.
“She was a very good cook. But everybody thinks their mother is a very good cook,” she said.
Angelina worked as an office manager and keypunch operator, among other jobs. Her husband designed pumps. He passed away in 2009, six years after their daughter died.
Angelina’s passions have included travel, music of the ’50s and ’60s, cooking, baking and sewing. She enjoys watching Catholic Mass and romance films on TV, and is well liked at Arbor Terrace, according to McRae.
“She is very courteous,” McRae said. “Angelina is always pleasant to talk to, and always has something positive to share.”
So what’s the best advice anyone ever gave Angelina?
“Mind your own business,” she said. “I know it from living.”
Her tips for longevity really are words to live by.
“Be honest. Don’t think you know more than anyone else. You’d be surprised how much people know,” Angelina said.
“I like my life. I’ve been honest, that’s the important thing.”
Happiness isn’t something that’s waiting just around the corner, either. Look in the mirror.
“I’ve lived a very simple life. I feel I’m a lucky person, that I know so many nice people. And I like myself. A lot of people don’t like themselves. I like myself.
“Keep your life happy. It’s up to you. I can’t make you happy. It’s up to you.”
Angelina said she’s seen a lot, and wouldn’t mind seeing more. Yet there are no regrets or bucket-list items to check off.
When someone wished her even better things for her next 100 years, she didn’t hesitate:
“I don’t think they could be better.”
Happy birthday, Angelina!
Lovely article, Kevin! Captures well the fun and caring spirit at Arbor Terrace.