Cranberry woman, friends toast her birthday
CRANBERRY TWP — Celebrating a special birthday this weekend at Atria Senior Living, friends and family members enjoyed the guest of honor’s drink of choice, martinis.
“Now everyone knows my age,” said Ruth Rapetti, a community resident who celebrated her 100th birthday Sunday.
As the party continued, they sang "Happy Birthday“ and Rapetti blew out the candles on a cake. Between bites, she sipped on a gin martini, which she said was delicious.
Rapetti said the party was beyond what she was expecting.
“This is so sweet of everybody to do this for me, and I really appreciate that,” Rapetti said. “It’s such a nice surprise.”
Rapetti said she also didn’t expect to make it to 100 years. She said that as a child, she was always sickly and had many doctor’s appointments at her home.
“As I got older, I got healthier,” Rapetti said. “It’s like the reverse of most people. They get old; they get crotchety and sickly. But I got better, and I got healthier.”
Rapetti was the older of two siblings. She went to college at Notre Dame in Staten Island, during which time she met her late husband, who was attending Manhattan College. Images of New York City with various printouts, posters and others items decorated the party room Sunday.
Brianna Neely, the community’s engaged life director, helped organize the party for Rapetti, who is the community’s first centenarian. Neely said she believed the ideas of martinis in the Big Apple made for an easy party theme she thought Rapetti would enjoy.
“She goes all out,” Neely said. “It was wonderful we were able to do that and make her feel special.”
Rapetti said that later in her life, she taught special needs children for some time, but before that she focused on being a mother to five children.
“They kept us busy, for a while anyway,“ said Rapetti, who shared a space at the front of the room with multiple family members.
Her son, Paul Rapetti, said his mother received about 100 birthday cards in the mail. He said she’s witty and humorous, and he believes her ability to have fun and enjoy herself may have contributed to her long life.
“She’s a lot of fun to be around. I think a lot of people will tell you that,” said Paul Rapetti. “They say they broke the mold. They didn’t break her mold; they put it in the hall of fame.”
Friends also smiled as they partook in the party festivities. Fellow resident Marilyn King said Rapetti was the first person she met when moving in. The two bonded over old songs they remember and other pieces of history they hold dear.
Although like minds brought them together, King said her friend’s lively spirit brings her joy regularly. She said she was shocked when she learned of Rapetti’s age.
“I think what impressed me was her sense of humor,” she said. “I love her famous saying, ‘If you can’t laugh, you might as well hang it up.’ I agree.”
Neely said she also couldn’t believe Ruth was 100 years old when she first met her, but now she sees her as a person who redefines age. She said she shows others how people who reach 100 can still enjoy a martini, sing loudly and laugh fully.
“She’s that kind of person that lights up the room,” Neely said. “She amazes me, and I’m honored I was able to throw this party for her.”
