Sassy Centenarian Celebrates 100th Birthday

SHIRLEY, NY — Shirley resident Frances Orlando celebrated her 100th birthday on November 9, surrounded by her friends and family and members of St. Jude Roman Catholic Church’s Rosarians — and honored by her hometown.

“It was fantastic to have an opportunity to meet Frances and celebrate with her on this momentous occasion,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rudy Sunderman, who presented Frances with a proclamation. “It was amazing to see her enthusiasm and energy on her 100th birthday.”

Orlando grew up in Brooklyn and moved to Shirley in 1962, a release said. A lifelong seamstress, she has two children, 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Since moving to Shirley, Orlando has been very active in St. Jude Roman Catholic Church in Mastic Beach; she is a member of the Rosarians and the Legion of Mary, where she makes and teaches others how to make Rosary beads.

In 1919 when Orlando was born, Woodrow Wilson was President of the United States, the 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution authorizing Prohibition was put into effect, and the Boston Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees, Sunderman said.

“Frances has been on an amazing journey throughout her 100 years,” Sunderman said. “I wish her health and happiness for many more years to come.”