This Sunday, the charming town of Willits in northern California will come together to celebrate a truly remarkable woman, Edith “Edie” Recagno Keenan Ceccarelli, as she marks an incredible 116 years of life. Edie, a testament to elegance and resilience, holds the distinction of being America’s oldest living person and the second-oldest person globally.
Edie’s life has been a true marvel, filled with hard work, love, and adventure. Born in Willits in 1908, she has spent her entire life in northern California, living in various towns, including Eureka, Ukiah, and Santa Rosa. Her parents, Italian immigrants, settled in Willits in the early 1900s, and Edie is the eldest of seven siblings, having outlived them all.
Growing up, Edie learned the value of hard work, contributing to the family income by taking on odd jobs and helping with farm work. Her life was marked by physical labor, walking everywhere, and growing their own food. Despite the challenges, Edie’s family persevered, building a house in which she was born.
Edie’s sense of style and elegance has been admired by all who know her. Even at 100, she would stroll through town, dressed impeccably, with a hat, gloves, jewelry, and flawless makeup. Her love of dancing, cooking, gardening, and walking has brought her joy throughout her life.
This Sunday’s birthday celebration promises to be a grand affair, with a parade featuring city employees, the vice mayor, council members, fire and police departments, and even the Boy Scouts. Residents and visitors are invited to join in the celebration by decorating their cars with balloons, flags, signs, and streamers as they drive past Edie’s assisted living home.
Suzanne Picetti, the lead parade organizer, emphasizes the importance of making Edie feel cherished on her special day. “Every year at her birthday, we make sure she knows how special she is,” says Suzanne. Edie is looking forward to indulging in her favorite carrot cake and strawberry ice cream, followed by a well-deserved nap before the festivities begin.
The birthday celebration has always been a community affair, with Edie inviting the entire town to join her in the revelries. Her friends have taken to The Willits News to spread the word and ensure everyone is aware of this public party. “It brings community together to celebrate a really special human being. It brings a lot of joy and happiness to our community,” explains Suzanne.
As we celebrate Edie’s remarkable journey, we honor a life of elegance, resilience, and joy. Join us this Sunday as we come together to make Edie’s 116th birthday a moment to remember. The parade will take place rain or shine, a testament to the community’s spirit and dedication to celebrating this extraordinary woman.
