Palmyra resident Celesta DiLeonardo (center) celebrated the occasion with family members, friends and visitors.
Celesta DiLeonardo celebrated her 107th birthday on May 21 as the Burlington County Commissioners, the county Department of Human Services and Palmyra Borough teamed to make the day special.
County Commissioner Randy Brolo and Palmyra Mayor Gina Ragomo Tait were among a large group of well-wishers who visited the centenarian to celebrate her latest milestone.
“Celesta is believed to be our county’s oldest living resident, and we are excited to help celebrate her remarkable life with her family, friends and neighbors,” Brolo said before presenting DiLeonardo with a county proclamation, card, flowers, balloons and her favorite lunch from the county’s Meals on Wheels Program.
Accompanying Brolo were the county’s Department of Human Services Director Shirla Simpson, Deputy Director Malikah Morris, county Office on Aging Director Bryan Barnes and its Aging Dietician Carla Fynan. Tait was there with council President Tim Howard and several members of the borough’s police and fire departments.
DiLeonardo is one of the more than 500 county residents who receive lunches regularly from Meals on Wheels, which provides well-balanced, nutritious prepared meals for homebound residents 60 and older. The meals are free, but voluntary donations are accepted so the program can serve as many clients as possible. The program is managed by the county Office on Aging.
DiLeonardo was born in South Philadelphia and grew up in the city before moving to Palmyra, where she and her late husband raised three children. She worked for the Home Lite Company in Philadelphia for more than 20 years and is a lifelong and avid dancer.
DiLeonardo credits her long life to the joys of good Italian food, dancing, creativity and the love of family and friends.
County residents can find more information about Meals on Wheels by calling (609) 265-5069.
