My parents neighbor, Emilia "Millie" Bello passed away last week at the age of 105. Yes, 105!!!
I knew Millie my entire life. She was my grandparents' neighbor, and then my parents'. Deeply religious, she was an original Sister of Mary, and older than our parish Church. She was 103 when the Church, Holy Child celebrated its' centennial. She kept a statue of the Blessed Mother on her nightstand. It was given to her on her wedding day by the church. She was devoted to Padre Pio, now Saint Pio.
She had 4 children, 23 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren.
She attributed her long life to drinking a glass of red wine and eating hot chile peppers daily.
Up until 3 years ago she did all of her own shopping and went to Atlantic City monthly.
She had all of senses, remembered every single child and their birthdays as well.
May God Rest your soul. You will be missed, but never, ever forgotten.