St. Joseph's Nursing Home Resident Celebrates Her 107th Birthday

For Carolyn Deni, a resident at St. Joseph's Nursing Home (SVNH), a member of St. Joseph’s Health in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, age isn’t a number you hide, but rather one you gladly share – along with the memories of years gone by.  At 107 years of age, Carolyn has lived a long and exciting life. Originally of Holyoke, Massachusetts, she is the eldest and only surviving of 9 children born to Sicilian immigrants. From early on, Carolyn had a passion for fashion and worked as a model while still living in Massachusetts. In the early 1940’s, she moved to Manhattan, New York, where she worked as a Sales Manager for a stationary company and later as a buyer for Macy’s. Carolyn never married and never had any children. She lived in Manhattan alone until she was 99 years old – over 50 years – before moving to SVNH in New Jersey in 2006.

“She has obviously gotten great care here at St. Joseph's. She is very happy and treated wonderfully well,” said Holly Deni (resident of Little Falls), Carolyn’s niece, in regards to her Aunt’s continued longevity. Holly, who visits her aunt often, came by to help celebrate and Carolyn was noticeably thrilled. Holly served her aunt a piece of chocolate birthday cake, her favorite, and reveled, “That’s another secret to a long life... never say no to a piece of cake.” With a big bite and a wide smile Carolyn then looked around the room and said, “Everything is beautiful.”

Pictured with Ms. Deni in celebration of her birthday are (left to right) Holly Deni; and Edgardo Adoptante, Activities Assistant, SVNH.

January 28, 2014