By Marion Filler
Living to 100 years or more has its advantages, especially for five centenarians of the Morris View Healthcare Center who celebrated their longevity in a communal birthday bash on Tuesday.
As they waited in the hall to be introduced, Madeline Allen and Madeleine Caselli, both 104; Helen McNerney and Rita Gallo, both 102; and Rose Amoruso, 100, sat in their wheelchairs each holding a large bouquet of flowers.
A flurry of pink and white balloons, loud music, and a crush of visitors could seem overwhelming. But not for McNerney. Bright and cheerful, she offered her take on how she has managed to live so long.
“I just kept on going, that’s it. Before you know it, the years accumulated. It was nothing special, I tried to be good to people and not cause any problems,” McNerney said. She has written an autobiography called Jersey Girl, but now listens to audio books because of macular degeneration in both eyes.
Amoruso was a tap dancer and sang on a local radio show. She guessed something else contributed to her long life.
“I think it was my children,” Amoruso said. She also kept busy with two family businesses, a salon and an automotive company, and traveled extensively.
Gallo was one of 11 sisters and three brothers and grew up in Philadelphia. The secret to her longevity? “I was lucky, I guess,” she said. “My sisters and brothers are all gone now.”
Allen was a botanist and gardener, and Caselli, a seamstress, cake decorator, and factory worker. They were the seniors of this senior group.
Daria Cohen, recreation director at the facility in Morris Township, read brief biographies as the ladies were introduced to claps and cheers from residents, most of whom were in wheelchairs.
Morris County Commissioner Deborah Smith distributed framed plaques to each woman, and applauded the 2017 decision to transfer management of Morris View from the county to Allaire, a privately company based in Freehold.
“I’m glad that we made this decision to let Allaire run the nursing home for us,” Smith said. “People were concerned in Morris County. I think their concerns are all allayed. At this point in time, this is the number one facility in Morris County.”
Morris Township Mayor Jeff Grayzel congratulated the ladies as he recalled his grandmothers, who lived to 99 and 100. He handed certificates of recognition to each of the celebrants, who held them in their laps.
Other residents of Morris View gathered round to offer a vigorous rendition of Happy Birthday and cake was served to all.
