Woodridge woman celebrating 100 years

Maria Bonanno was born in Germany on May 6, 1923 and after World War II moved to America where she got married and raised three boys. She is a widow now but continues to reside in her Woodridge home and loves to invite her sons over to visit.

After a recent fall and brief hospitalization in April, she was advised to regain her strength at a rapid rehabilitation center, Thrive of Lisle.

Bonanno was highly motivated to return home prior to her 100th birthday party and to receive her special birthday blessing at her church, St. Joan of Arc Parish in Lisle.

Her physical therapy assistant, Arthur Paredes, recalls how eager she was to go to therapy. "She was one of the most enthusiastic guests. Always ready for her sessions and looking forward to them."

She even made time for group activities like Watercolor Wednesday and participated in Cardio Drumming.

At her discharge, she was up to 150 feet walking with her rolling walker and ready to return home for the party planning. Before she graduated rehab last month, the staff at Thrive of Lisle threw an early birthday party.