Celesta DiLeonardo celebrated her 107th birthday on Wednesday and the Burlington County Commissioners, Burlington County Department of Human Services and Borough of Palmyra teamed up to make the day extra special.
Burlington County Commissioner Randy Brolo and Palmyra Mayor Gina Ragomo Tait were among a large group of well-wishers who visited the Palmyra centenarian on Wednesday to celebrate her latest milestone.
“Celesta is believed to be our county’s oldest living resident, and we are excited to help celebrate her remarkable life with her family, friends and neighbors,” said Commissioner Brolo before presenting her with a County proclamation, card, flowers, balloons and her favorite lunch from the County’s Meals on Wheels program.
Accompanying Commissioner Brolo were Burlington County Department of Human Services Director Shirla Simpson, Department of Human Services Deputy Director Malikah Morris, Burlington County Office on Aging Director Bryan Barnes and Office on Aging Dietician Carla Fynan.
Mayor Tait was also present with Council President Tim Howard and several members of the Borough’s Police Department and Fire Department.
DiLeonardo is one of the more than 500 Burlington County residents who receive lunches regularly from the County’s Meals on Wheels program, which provides well-balanced, nutritious prepared meals for homebound residents 60 and older.
Meals are free but voluntary donations are accepted so the program can serve as many clients as possible. The program is managed by the Burlington County Office on Aging
Last year, more than 120,000 meals were delivered through the program.
“Meals on Wheels is one of our most important and successful County services,” said Brolo. “The nutritious meals and daily interactions are difference-makers for hundreds of our county’s seniors. Celesta is the perfect example of the program’s success.”
DiLeonardo was born in South Philadelphia and grew up in the city before moving across the Delaware River to Palmyra, where she and her late husband raised three children. She worked for the Home Lite Company in Philadelphia for more than 20 years and is a lifelong avid dancer.
She credits her long life to the joys of good Italian food, dancing, creativity and the love of family and friends.
Burlington County residents seeking more information about Meals on Wheels can call 609-265-5069.