Come celebrate an extraordinary milestone as we honor Edith “Edie” Recagno Keenan Ceccarelli, America’s oldest living person, on her remarkable 116th birthday. Edie, a resident of the quaint town of Willits in northern California, will be celebrated with a grand hometown birthday bash!
Edie isn’t just the oldest person in the United States—she’s also the second-oldest person in the world, as recognized by the Gerontology Research Group. Her birthday falls on February 5th, and every year, her hometown of Willits comes together to celebrate this amazing milestone. This year, the festivities are set for Sunday, February 4th, with a grand parade honoring the life and legacy of this beloved local icon.
The birthday parade is shaping up to be the biggest celebration of the season in Willits! City employees, including the vice mayor, a council member, and the fire and police departments, will join in, along with the Boy Scouts, for a lively procession through town. Residents and visitors are encouraged to decorate their cars with balloons, flags, signs, and streamers as they drive by Edie’s assisted living home to share in the joy.
Suzanne Picetti, who’s leading the parade efforts, wants to make sure Edie feels truly celebrated. “Every year, we make sure she knows just how special she is,” Suzanne shares. As for Edie, she’s eagerly awaiting her favorite carrot cake and strawberry ice cream—followed by a cozy nap before the real party kicks off!
The birthday celebration has always been a true community event. When Edie turned 100, she started inviting the whole town to join in on the fun! Her friends even reached out to The Willits News to spread the word, making sure everyone knew about the big, public celebration. “It brings the community together to honor a really special person,” says Suzanne. “It brings so much joy and happiness to us all.”
Born in Willits in 1908, Edie has spent her whole life in northern California, living in places like Eureka, Ukiah, and Santa Rosa over the years. Her parents were Italian immigrants who settled in Willits in the early 1900s, and Edie, the eldest of seven, has outlived all her siblings.
Growing up, Edie and her brothers and sisters learned the value of hard work, pitching in with odd jobs and farm chores to support the family. Back then, life was all about physical labor, walking everywhere, and growing their own food. Despite the tough times, Edie’s family managed to persevere, even building the house where she was born.
Edie isn’t just known for her hard work—she’s also admired for her impeccable style. Even at 100, she’d stroll through town dressed to the nines, complete with a hat, gloves, jewelry, and flawless makeup. Together with her first husband, a typesetter at the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Edie raised a daughter and became a proud grandmother to three granddaughters.
Over the years, she’s found joy in dancing, cooking, gardening, and long walks. Edie has truly led a remarkable and fulfilling life.
Join us this Sunday to celebrate Edie’s incredible journey. The parade will go on rain or shine, as nothing can dampen the spirit of a community coming together. Let’s make her 116th birthday a day to remember for America’s oldest living person, Edith “Edie” Recagno Keenan Ceccarelli!