On February 5, 2024, Edith Edie Ceccarelli, the second-oldest person in the world and the oldest person in the United States, turned 116 years old. Her hometown of Willits, Illinois, threw her a birthday celebration complete with a procession of vehicles, dogs, horses, and musicians to commemorate this incredible milestone.

A Life Well Lived

Henry Ford debuted the Model T in 1908, the year Ceccarelli was born in Willits. She was raised in the little town, surrounded by friends and relatives, throughout her entire life. She had two marriages in addition to her jobs as a cook and seamstress. She is childless but has a large family of nieces, nephews, and cousins. At the age of 107, she moved into an assisted living facility, where she now plays bingo, watches TV, and reads.

A Town s Tradition

Since being 100 years old, Ceccarelli has invited the entire village to join her in celebrating her birthday. She used to throw big parties at neighborhood locations, but since the COVID-19 epidemic in 2021, the community has planned a drive-by parade in her honor. Hundreds of people attend the parade each year, including police, fire, and boy scouts as well as auto aficionados and local leaders. Wearing a tiara and scarlet lipstick, Ceccarelli gestures to the throng from her porch. Her admirers also give her presents, cards, and flowers.

A Secret to Longevity

As one of the few individuals in the world to reach the age of 110 or more, Ceccarelli is a supercentenarian. After Japan’s 118-year-old Kane Tanaka, she is the second-oldest living person and the oldest living American. Ceccarelli offers a straightforward response when asked what her secret to longevity is: drinking a little red wine and keeping my mouth shut. She also attributes her youthful spirit to her family, faith, and upbeat outlook.

A Source of Joy and Inspiration

Not just in Willits, but throughout the country and the world as well, Ceccarelli is a national treasure and a celebrity. In addition to being highlighted in a number of media sites, she has gotten calls and emails from well-known individuals, including singer Tony Bennett and former President Barack Obama. She has also motivated a great deal of people with her positive outlook and love of life. Evelyn Persico, her cousin, remarked: “She is one of these community members.” This is, in effect, how the third, fourth, and fifth generations are honoring her. She makes our community very happy and joyful.