On Monday, January 22, Palatine Township honored our two Centenarians – Mary Ann (102) and Margaret (100), with a special recognition during their Monthly Board Meeting.
Mary Ann Vacek (Biebe) was born on October 3, 1921 in Kansas City, MO. Her mother died when she was 11 and she began supporting herself at age 16. Mary Ann worked for the FBI in Kansas City and later transferred to Chicago. She was married to her husband Richard for 45 years and they had two sons and three grandchildren. Mary Ann maintains an active life at our Home. She takes part in musicals, bingo and has been a Third Order Carmelite for over 50 year.
Mary Ann’s best piece of advice, “When someone asks you to do something, you don’t want to do, tell them – my father won’t let me do that!”
Margaret Mary Iosso (Daniele) was born on December 27, 1923 in Chicago. She was born to Italian immigrant parents and was the youngest of four children. Her parents didn’t speak English, so she is fluent in Italian. She was raised on Taylor Street in Chicago’s historic Little Italy neighborhood. She was married Joseph Iosso for 39 years. Together they had one daughter, two grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-greatgrandchildren. Margaret loves to play bingo, especially when she wins! She also enjoys singing along when Activity Aide Br. Tom plays the keyboard.
When asked what is the secret is to her long life, Margaret replied (with her wonderful big smile), “Being healthy, happy and living right – every single day!”
During the Recognition Ceremony, Palatine Township Clerk Lisa Moran, presented a slideshow of each of our ladies’ lives. Lisa read a special Township Resolution passed by the Board honoring our beautiful Centenarians. Township Supervisor, Andy-John G. Kalkounos then presented each Resolution to Margaret and Mary Ann.
In addition, Palatine Mayor, Jim Schwantz came to present a Certificate of Recognition from the Mayor and Village Council of Palatine to each of them.
Jim is a former NFL Linebacker for the Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys – where he was a part of the 1995 Super Bowl Championship Team. Jim brought along his Super Bowl Ring to let the ladies try it on for size.
The evening ended with chocolate cake and coffee for all. Congratulations Mary Ann and Margaret on lives well lived. May you have many more, with the Little Sisters of the Poor!
Our Centenarians were also featured in the local news. Read that article here.
