Lifelong Aurora Resident, Popular Seamstress Turns 100

AURORA, IL — A lifelong Aurora resident and popular seamstress well-known around town celebrated her 100th birthday Feb. 17.

Clarina Warren is the second Aurora native to join the Centenarian Club in the past month. She was preceded by Ray Moore, who turned 100 on Feb. 12.

Warren celebrated her milestone birthday with several events, including a community lunch hosted by the Friendly Center Club and a special mass and breakfast at Sacred Heart Church.

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Also marking the occasion was Mayor Richard Irvin, who issued a proclamation announcing Feb. 17 as Clarina Warren Day in Aurora.

Born in 1923, Warren was one of the few people of color in her 1941 graduating class at East Aurora High School, according to city officials. While in school, she excelled in academics and was a member of the Spanish Club, Girls' Glee Club, Girls' Commercial Club and the Library Science Club.

In the years to come, she served the Aurora community by making coats, dresses and other articles of clothing as a highly sought-after seamstress.

Today, Warren remains active in the community. As a member of the Friendly Center Club, she partakes in games of bingo and bean bag baseball. She also continues going to church regularly.

Asked by city officials about her secret to longevity, she said, "Just keep on living and you'll get there."