Parker's 100 Club

The life expectancy of American adults is steadily increasing, medical experts say. This is true at Parker Jewish Institute, where it is an honor to serve our aging community. Parker is home to six residents aged 99, and ten residents 100 years or older. On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, our eldest resident, Ernestine Berry turned 109 years old. On Saturday, March 16, 2024, resident Theresa Ardezzone joined Parker’s 100 club.

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Ernestine Berry was born on  February 28, 1915, in Alabama. Ernestine eventually relocated to California,  where she worked as a bus driver, before permanently moving to New York,  where she spent 50 years working as a teacher’s assistant. To celebrate her 109^th  birthday, Ernestine’s granddaughter, Paulette Glen, organized a Zoom call  with her family and closest friends. Those physically with Ernestine and  those who joined virtually, sang “Happy Birthday,” and shared in the  festivities, as she enjoyed her birthday cake.    

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Theresa Ardezzone was born on March 16, 1924, in Bayside, New York, in an Italian American household. Theresa had a lucrative career as a head manager of the American Chair Rental company. She raised two sons, and is the proud grandmother of four, and the great-grandmother of five. For her birthday, the children, in-laws, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all came to wish her a happy birthday. She enjoyed watching her great-grandchildren playing in Parker’s outdoor Park, and hearing everyone sing her happy birthday, as well as count in increments of ten, until they all shouted “Happy 100^th Birthday!”  

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In their early and late 100s, both Ernestine and Theresa remain active, often participating in Parker’s recreational programs. We at Parker are truly honored, that their families have entrusted us with their care, and we are blessed to have them in our community.   

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