Brookdale Lisle centenarian celebrates: From mayoral proclamation to the chicken dance and then some!
Evelyn Ehle celebrated her 100th birthday with her family, friends, and fellow residents at Brookdale Lisle Senior Living, where she has been a resident for more than nine years. She and her husband Art moved in on April 3, 2014. They wore coordinating outfits to dinner every night and held hands. Though Art died a few years ago, Evelyn has managed to carry on.
To commemorate Evelyn's 100th birthday this month, her daughters Phyllis, Beverly, and Donna thoughtfully planned and produced her birthday party with great attention to detail.
More than 200 residents of Brookdale Lisle attended Evelyn's milestone birthday festivities along with Evelyn's three daughters, sons-in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Twins Beverly and Donna, traveled from Colorado and Virginia and joined their sister Phyllis who lives in Chicago to honor their mother. Two of Evelyn's nieces even flew up from Florida to attend the party.
Evelyn's birthday celebration began on Friday, June 2, the night before her 100th birthday party. Her family gathered at Brookdale in one of the private rooms to host a pizza party for all the out-of-town guests.
Her daughters were so grateful to the staff at Brookdale Lisle for their assistance and accommodating attitude. Beverly said, "They went out of their way to make things special for Mom."
The merriment continued Saturday with a huge birthday party.
The birthday party included entertainment, cake, punch and treat bags. Thirty members of Evelyn's family delighted guests with a lively rendition of the Chicken Dance. Evelyn playfully joined them, proving you are never too old to have fun. The entertainment was provided by Eddie Korosa Jr. who entertained the crowd with accordion music and some light-hearted comedy. He also entertained the guests at Evelyn's 90th and 95th celebrations.
Evelyn was beaming in her blue dress with green and white polka dots and a tiara.
She said, "I love polka dots."
A special guest showed up to wish Evelyn a happy birthday. Mayor Christopher Pecak arrived to say happy birthday and take a picture with her, and he returned on June 23 to issue a special proclamation in Evelyn's honor. Her daughters held a catered dinner for Evelyn on Saturday night after the party for family and friends.
Not everyone lives to celebrate a 100th birthday and Evelyn made sure to enjoy every moment of her special day. The weekend-long celebrations concluded Sunday morning with a donut party for all out-of-town guests. Her jubilant spirit was on full display for her 100th birthday party.
Evelyn was born on June 3, 1923, in Hannibal, Missouri, to Harry and Nell Stanfield. She had two sisters and one brother.
Evelyn's greatest accomplishment was raising her three daughters, of whom she is enormously proud! Her hobbies include playing bingo, watching the news, and listening to country music.
With her joyful spirit, her youthful attitude, and a heart full of gratitude, Evelyn gave witness to a life well lived!
Her birthday party concluded with a balloon drop from the second-floor balcony. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren ceremoniously tossed 100 balloons over the balcony.
As the balloons cascaded down, the smile on Evelyn's face and the twinkle in her eyes proved the party was a remarkable success.
Congratulations Evelyn on being 100 years young. What a wonderful legacy you have given the world. Happy birthday Evelyn and thank you for sharing your special day with all of us!