Veggies & Ice Cream Are The Secret To Longevity, Says Southern Ocean Centenarian

LITTLE EGG HARBOR, NJ — What's the secret to a long life? Eat your vegetables every day, but don't forget a scoop or two of ice cream, says Eleanor Quirk, a resident of The Terraces at Seacrest Village, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday.

Family, friends and staff of the Little Egg Harbor senior living community celebrated the milestone occasion with the fun-loving centenarian, who donned a pink boa for the festivities, according to a release from the community.

“Eleanor always has a beaming smile; she is just a joy to be around,” said The Terraces at Seacrest Village’s Bianca Sutlovich, life enrichment director. “Everyone delighted in honoring Eleanor on her special day.”

Born on March 14, 1924, Eleanor (nee Bauer) grew up in North Bergen. Quirk was the middle of three sisters and had an older brother, Louis, who was a star college football player at Rutgers University before his tragic passing during World War II.

After graduating from Union Hill High School, she worked in payroll at Sperry Products in Hoboken, where she met her future husband, James L. Quirk Jr. The pair, lovingly known as Ellie and Jimmie, enjoyed 34 years of wedded bliss. The Quirks - with their two children, James III and Patricia - lived in North Jersey before they relocated to Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Family has played a central role in Quirk’s life, according to the release. Special childhood reflections include visits to her grandmother’s farm in Sussex, NJ. The devoted wife and mother also has fond memories of traveling with her husband and children to their favorite spots, including the Jersey Shore’s Avalon and Stone Harbor, as well as San Francisco, among others.

In her younger years, Quirk had a passion for sewing, making all the dresses for those in her sister’s wedding party. She now has four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Quirk moved to The Terraces at Seacrest Village in fall 2022. “Eleanor continues to enjoy living life to the fullest here, with support if and when she needs it,” added Sutlovich. “She likes to pick up new interests and has become quite a sports enthusiast, often watching car racing, golf and baseball, particularly when she can cheer on the Phillies.”