5 Centenarians Celebrate Birthdays At Greater Morristown Home

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NJ — Five women with more than 500 years between them celebrated their birthdays this week. Friends, family, caregivers and Morris County officials gathered for a birthday party honoring five centenarians at the Morris View Healthcare Center.

The honorees said they enjoyed the celebration, but one expressed surprise at the attention.

“You’ve all done so much for this, so much work. It’s very beautiful. I’d like to thank everyone,” said resident Madeline Allen, who is turning 104 this year.

Joining her were Rose Amoruso, who turned 100 last month; Helen McNerney and Rita Gallo, both 102; and Madeleine Caselli, who will turn 105 years old. The women live at the Morris View Healthcare Center in Morris Township.

Staff arranged the celebration in the facility's Dean Gallo Atrium on Tuesday afternoon, complete with music, entertainment, special guests, balloons, refreshments and decorations.

“I’m delighted to be celebrating these lively, lovely ladies as they reach these birthday milestones," said Deborah Smith, deputy director of the Morris County Board of Commissioners. "On behalf of myself and the board of county commissioners, I am here to say congratulations and to wish you a happy continuance in your long lives."

Allaire Health Services manages and operates the county-owned Morris View Healthcare Center. Among the Allaire staff at the gathering were Morris View Administrator Shabsi Ganzweig; Lori Farina, regional director of community marketing for Allaire; and Veronica Schneider, director of community marketing for Morris View.

"It is something we have tremendous joy in — celebrating with them, this moment, this occasion," said Allaire CEO Ben Kurland, who also joined the party. "In light of everything that's going on, in the backdrop of the pandemic, to be able to have something like this is very special and an honor."

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