Edith Rose "Edie" Ceccarelli (née Recagno, formerly Keenan; 5 February 1908 - 22 February 2024) was an American supercentenarian whose age is validated by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) and recognized by LongeviQuest (LQ). Edie Ceccarelli lived an extraordinary life, witnessing pivotal moments in history and becoming a beloved figure in her hometown of Willits, California. Her remarkable longevity captured the attention of people worldwide, prompting curiosity about her secrets to a long and fulfilling life.
A Life Well-Lived: From Lumber Town to Local Icon
Edie Ceccarelli was born Edith Recagno on 5 February 1908, the year Henry Ford introduced the Model T. She was born to Italian immigrant parents Agostino (1874-1965) and Maria (née Petronavi) Recagno (1881-1973) in Willits, California, USA, which used to be a lumber town. She was the eldest of seven siblings, born to Italian immigrant parents who themselves lived into their 90s. Her father worked in lumber, and for a brief stint sold groceries and supplies from a horse-drawn wagon. She graduated school in 1927 and a few years later married her high school sweetheart, Elmer "Brick" Keenan, whom she married on 17 November 1933. The couple adopted a daughter, Laureen, who grew up to have three children of her own. After her husband’s death, she was remarried to Charles Cecarrelli for four years, before he died. By now, Ceccarelli has outlived all of her immediate family. Ceccarelli has since outlived her entire immediate family, including six younger siblings, her high school sweetheart and first husband, her second husband, her adopted daughter, and her three granddaughters. Her daughter and three grandchildren all died of a rare genetic condition. Her first husband died in 1984.
Well into her 100s, she would throw herself huge birthday parties at a local events hall, or at a senior center - and invite the whole town. But for the past few years, the town has taken over, organizing a parade in her honor. In the small town of Willits, California, the city came together to celebrate Ceccarelli’s life with a parade.
She was born and raised here, among the towering redwoods. Most everybody in town knows her.
On 5 February 2018, Ceccarelli celebrated her 110th birthday and became a supercentenarian. From the age of 113 onwards, her town would throw a parade for her every year on her birthday.
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The Secrets to a Long Life: Wine, Mind Your Business, and More
As many people slow down as they age, the world wants to know what is her secret to living such a full and long life. When asked about her longevity, Ceccarelli often shared simple yet insightful advice: “Have two fingers of red wine with your dinner, and mind your own business”. This is typically how Ceccarelli responds when asked what her secret is, and I think these are great words to live by.
Red Wine and Heart Health
Red wine has long been tied to numerous heart-healthy benefits, with some scientists even claiming that it can help extend a lifespan. While there probably isn’t scientific evidence to support her point about nosiness, studies have linked red wine to longevity.
Staying Active and Engaged
Beyond Ceccarelli’s personal tips, those in her life believe other factors may have impacted her longevity. Willits City Clerk Delores Pedersen also told the outlet, “When I started at the city almost 20 years ago, she would walk from her home to city hall to pay her water bill. She was so impeccably dressed. A hat and gloves. And she was always so nice. The outlet noted that Ceccarelli was an avid dancer who loved to take long walks through her hometown. Ceccarelli remained active well into her senior years, in terms of both physical exercise and as a figure within her community.
In 2012, when she was 104, she lost her longtime friend and dance partner, Ed Burton. But she wasn’t ready to stop dancing. So she put out a letter in the local paper. “I, Edith Ceccarelli, would like to keep on dancing, as would have my late friend and dance partner Ed Burton, whom I miss beyond words,” she wrote. “I am looking for a dance partner. Dancing keeps your limbs strong. What is nicer than holding a lovely lady in your arms and dancing a beautiful waltz or two-step together? Try it, you will like it.” She signed off with her phone number. A couple of people did respond, but nothing quite clicked. “I tried dancing with her a couple of times,” said her second cousin Chuck Persico, 79. “But I couldn’t keep up.”
Positivity, Kindness, and Community
She was always known for her generosity and kind spirit; her care home's owner said that “the secret was really her positivity, and her sincerity and kindness.
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“She is such a part of this community. So this is like, the third, fourth, fifth generation celebrating her,” said Evelyn Persico, 83, a cousin by marriage.
Celebrating a Supercentenarian
Ceccarelli has earned the rare distinction of supercentenarian, a person who has lived past 110; she was the second-oldest person in the world.
But there is a bittersweetness to the celebration. “Many of her people have passed. So many of her old-timers are gone,” she said.
On Sunday, for Ceccarelli’s 116th birthday party, a winter storm in the region had closed highways and felled trees. But the rain eased just in time. Outside, local officials were waiting for her with a proclamation honoring a long life well lived. The local dog walker, along with about 15 dogs, opened the parade for her, followed by the fire brigade, the garbage truck, and a line of cars decked in streamers and balloons. A trio of moustachioed local musicians serenaded her with guitars. Some small children dropped off flowers and handmade cards wishing her a happy birthday. At 116, Ceccarelli has slowed down considerably. And while she fades in and out of lucidity due to dementia, on the morning of her party she was pleased to learn that everyone was there for her. “Oh!” she said, as her caregiver straightened out her sweater and helped freshen up her lipstick - L’Oréal True Red. Ceccarelli’s cousin Evelyn Persico looks at old pictures of Ceccarelli on her desk in her bedroom. She waved at the gaggle of press photographers and videographers. About 10 minutes into her birthday parade, she got too cold and tired, and needed to go back inside. But the festooned cars kept coming.
Final Years
Finally, at 109, she moved into Willits’ Holy Spirit Residential Care Home, a small senior living facility where she lives with five other seniors. Cousins and friends visit with her, and her caretaker helps her keep her mouth rouged and her nails painted (cherry red, usually).
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Persico, one of Ceccarelli’s closest confidantes, now works with Ceccarelli’s care team. They came up with the idea of throwing her a parade during the Covid-19 pandemic - it was a way to throw her a party, but from a safe distance.
People keep asking her - and her friends and family - what the secret is to her longevity. Is it all that dancing? Or just good Italian genes? Is it the fresh northern California air, or the proximity to the region’s towering, ancient redwoods?
At 116, Ceccarelli had slowed down considerably. And while she faded in and out of lucidity due to dementia, on the morning of her party she was pleased to learn that everyone was there for her.
In her final years, dementia caused her to deteriorate mentally but she could still sit up and eat unassisted. On 5 February 2024, Ceccarelli became the first American resident to turn 116 since Susannah Mushatt Jones in 2015. This also made her the first American resident born in the 20th century to reach this age. By the time of her 116th birthday, Ceccarelli's health was beginning to decline further; she began to lose her appetite on some days and needed extra care. Despite unideal weather conditions, the town of Willits held a celebratory parade for her once again the day before her birthday.
A Fond Farewell
Edith Ceccarelli peacefully passed away in her sleep, mere weeks after her 116th birthday, at Holy Spirit Residential Care Home in Willits, California, USA, on the afternoon of 22 February 2024, at the age of 116 years and 17 days. She was the second-oldest person in the world, behind María Branyas Morera. Formerly the second-oldest person in the United States, Ceccarelli became the most senior American resident on Tuesday, when the previous title holder Bessie Hendricks passed away at 115.
Ceccarelli's life serves as an inspiration, reminding us to embrace life's simple pleasures, stay active, and cherish our connections with others. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her and in the town of Willits, which she so dearly loved.
Lessons from a Supercentenarian
Edie Ceccarelli's life offers several valuable lessons:
- Embrace Simplicity: Her advice to enjoy red wine and mind one's own business suggests finding contentment in simple pleasures and avoiding unnecessary stress.
- Stay Active: Ceccarelli's love for dancing and walking highlights the importance of physical activity for maintaining health and vitality.
- Cherish Community: Her involvement in her community and the town's celebration of her life demonstrate the significance of social connections and belonging.
- Maintain a Positive Attitude: Her care home's owner attributed her longevity to her positivity, sincerity, and kindness, underscoring the impact of a positive outlook on well-being.
Ceccarelli now resides in a local care center, where friends and cousins come to visit her.
She is such a part of this community. So this is like, the third, fourth, fifth generation celebrating her. Many of her people have passed. Edie has been an active community member until recently due to her dementia.
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