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 turns 116 years old. Edie, who holds the title of America’s oldest living person and the second-oldest person globally, is a beloved resident of Willits, and her hometown is pulling out all the stops to make her birthday a day to remember.
The town’s festivities will include a grand 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 and driving past Edie’s assisted living home. The parade organizer, Suzanne Picetti, emphasizes the importance of making Edie feel cherished on her special day.
Edie is excitedly looking forward to celebrating her birthday with her favorite carrot cake and strawberry ice cream. Her friends and family will gather around her, and the community will come together to honor this incredible woman. As Suzanne explains, “It brings community together to celebrate a really special human being. It brings a lot of joy and happiness to our community.”
Edie’s life is a testament to her hard work, resilience, and elegance. Born in Willits in 1908, Edie has spent her entire life in northern California. She grew up in a family of immigrants from Italy and learned the value of hard work from a young age. Edie’s sense of style is still admired today, and she continues to inspire those around her with her positivity and energy.
As the town of Willits comes together to celebrate Edie’s 116th birthday, we are reminded of the importance of community and the value of honoring our elders. Edie’s remarkable journey is a testament to her strength and determination, and we are inspired by her spirit and enthusiasm. Join us in celebrating this incredible woman and her extraordinary life.
