Bergen County Woman Turns 100 Years Young

PARAMUS, NJ — May 5 was a day for the ages at a Bergen County nursing home, as resident Rosa Monachello turned 100 years young. Family, friends and even Paramus Mayor Richard LaBarbiera gathered to congratulate Monachello and celebrate the occasion.

Born in Paterson, Monachello lived in Ridgewood before moving into Juniper Village at Paramus, where she now lives. Monachello began working at Bendix Corporation in 1951 and retired 44 years later in 1995.

Highlights of the celebration included live bagpipe music and LaBarbiera reading and presenting a formal proclamation to Monachello. Besides birthday cake, her favorite foods include sliced steak sandwiches, French fries and a good burger.

"She is so caring. She really cares about other people," said Evelyn Kim, Juniper Village's connections director. "Rosa’s also very alert for her age and is always people-watching and socializing. If she sees someone in need, she signals us to help her fellow residents."