Lake Forest Centenarian Helen Willison Turns 103 In March

LAKE FOREST, CA — Longtime Lake Forest resident Helen Willison was celebrated this month at her 103rd birthday party, sponsored by the city.

Before the big day, Lake Forest Senior Services staff reached out over social media channels, asking well-wishers to send cards for her city-sponsored birthday party on March 16. They hoped to gather 103 cards. Instead, they received 303 cards, some sent from as far away as Canada, Mayor Doug Cirbo said in his recent Mayor's Minute Youtube video.

Cirbo and Willison spoke for a few moments over the video, where she shared that she has called Lake Forest home for roughly 16.5 percent of her long life.

"I've been in Lake Forest for 17 years," she said. "I really and truly enjoy living down here. The people are very cordial and I appreciate the friendships. Because I'm a friendly puppy myself!"

Part of the friendliness stems from the special attention of the Lake Forest Senior Services staff. They celebrate all senior birthdays monthly, but it was a special day for Willison, according to Cirbo.

At her birthday party, as always, they sang and shared games and cake but they also bestowed 303 birthday cards, some sent from as far as Canada.

During the video, Cirbo asked Willison to share the secret to her long life.

She attributed her longevity to choosing to live with patience and faith.

"I think practicing your patience and faith in God," she said. "You can't do this on your own because God is doing that for you and with you."