ELSIE RITA – STILL KICKING AFTER 100 YEARS

Elsie Rita Turns 99, Longtime Volunteer at Hospital, St Luke's Hospital, Coaldale, 3-13-2013 (30) — Elsie regularly volunteers her time providing cardio exercises to residents in the Geriatric Center of the St. Luke’s Hospital – Miners Campus in Coaldale.

Celebrating a century of life today (Thursday, March 13, 2014), Tamaqua resident Elsie DeMarco-Rita doesn’t show any sign of slowing down as she continues to volunteer in the community and live an active lifestyle.
“I hope to live to 200,” said Elsie. “I’m not ready to quit.”
Today, she celebrated a portion of her 100th birthday with students, friends and staff in the cafeteria of the Tamaqua Area High School, of which she has been employed for 40 years.
In addition, Elsie spends a couple days a week volunteering as an exercise coach for Geriatric Center residents of the St. Luke’s Hospital – Miners Campus in Coaldale. Elsie said she started volunteering at the hospital, then called Coaldale General Hospital, over 66 years ago. Elsie recalled many memories involving her years of volunteerism at the hospital. She added that her involvement in the hospital’s auxiliary motivated her to stay as a volunteer at the hospital. The hospital held a celebration for her 99th birthday on March 13 of last year.
Rita has also served over 60-years as member of the Coaldale VFW Post, to include serving as past President and District President.

Elsie Rita, 100 Years Old, Volunteers at St. Luke's Hospital and High School, Tamaqua (8) — Pictured today from front left are Tamaqua Area School District staff Mary Kay Davis, Kathy Williams, Elsie Rita, Carol Dietrich, and Kristin Melnick. From second left are Zorica Brilly, Dana Valentine, Carolyn Soley, Marie Skripnek, Karen Brezewick and Anne Trovinger. From back left are Stacey Clemson, Karen Kunkel, Barbara Swartz, Billy Zahora and Dave Cipko.

“I wish everyone could live to be 100 years old,” said Elsie. “So many passionate memories to share.”
Friends of Elsie stated their love, respect and admiration of her during today’s party at the school, which also included a birthday cake.
“Happy 100th birthday to one of the funniest, most genuine people I know,” said Tamaqua High School senior Kyle Weaver on Facebook. “I’m so glad you’re a part of my life, Elsie.”

Kristin Melnick, Director of Nutritional Services, Tamaqua Area School District (TASD), recalled her first comical conversation with Elsie 14 years ago. “Elsie told me that she has seen bosses come and go and would probably outlive me.”
Recalling the party given to her today at the school, Elsie said, “Everything was really out of sight.”
“She is a great and funny person to work with,” said TASD custodian Donna Ryan.
School board directors Wanda Zuber, Eileen Meier and Daniel Schoener were also present during the festivities.
Elsie said, “One enemy is one enemy too many,” describing her reason for smiling and staying happy.
Elsie, who’s husband Joseph “Victor” Rita passed away 19 years ago, has one daughter, Rita Rita-Repinec, and two sons, Joseph and Patsy.
“I am grateful to have no weight, pain or pills,” said Elsie who added that her doctor told her she was in better health than he was.
When asked what her secret to longevity was, Rita credited “prayer”, “her homemade Italian food,” and “visiting the doctor every two or three months for a checkup.” She added, “My Lord, my God, my Jesus.”
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(WNEP TV Story)
(Standard Speaker Story)
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PHOTOS FROM TODAY’S CELEBRATION AT THE TAMAQUA AREA HIGH SCHOOL:
(All Photos)