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Far Rock Resident Celebrates 112th Birthday In Style!

Coffee lover Ermisna Theodore marks milestone birthday


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Ms. Theodore’s family were in attendance on the day.

Ms. Theodore’s family were in attendance on the day.

One Far Rockaway resident proved that there ain’t no party like a 112th birthday party last week.

On Sept. 12, Ms. Ermisna Theodore celebrated her 112th birthday at the Beach Gardens Rehab & Nursing Center in Far Rockaway with family, fellow residents, journalists, and live music to boot.

Originally from Haiti, Ms. Theodore is Beach Gardens’ resident coffee connoisseur and one of Rockaway’s oldest living residents. Her grandchildren Ben, Miriam, Sarah, Deborah, and great-grandson Aaron were all there by her side to ring in this milestone birthday in style.

Ms. Theodore donned a jaunty yellow dress for the occasion, where Beach Channel residents, nurses and the birthday girl enjoyed the beautiful cake (which read, “It Takes A Long Time To Grow Young”) and danced up a storm from 3 p.m. onwards.

DJ Club Killa provided the musical entertainment, playing a whole host of Haitian tunes in honor of Ms. Theodore, who has lived at the facility on Brookhaven Avenue for the past ten years. Her loved ones in attendance told The Wave that this centenarian is quite the character, with 50+ grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a wealth of personality.

There were huge celebrations last week at Beach Gardens Rehab & Nursing Center. Photos by Social Media Director Kudret Taylan of Citadel Care Centers

There were huge celebrations last week at Beach Gardens Rehab & Nursing Center. Photos by Social Media Director Kudret Taylan of Citadel Care Centers

Ms. Theodore, who moved to Rockaway in 1986 with her family, is “very aware and knows what she likes,” according to her adoring granddaughter, Deborah, who said her grandma is a popular lady within the community.

“She’ll tell you her specifics: she likes perfume, she doesn’t like body spray,” Deborah said. “She doesn’t like [wearing] white because it makes her feel as if she’s in the hospital, so she likes her blanket to be colorful.”

“She’s very alert,” Ms. Theodore’s granddaughter added. “She doesn’t forget anything—she’ll tell you things that you said to her 20 years ago! It’s not that good with the hearing but she remembers and she’ll speak.”

Additionally, Beach Gardens Administrator Israel Wulliger described how Ms. Theodore is “very into her coffee” (this reporter is hopeful that a good cappuccino may well be the answer to a longer life).

Elisabeth Bernadel (right) is very close with Ms. Theodore.

Elisabeth Bernadel (right) is very close with Ms. Theodore.

“It gives hope to the other residents if someone is 112 years old, even if you’re 90 or 95, you think ‘oh, I’ve another 20 years to go.’ That’s what it’s all about,” he said. Wulliger explained that the center always celebrates birthdays with great aplomb and they “go all out” to mark the milestones.

Meanwhile, Elisabeth Bernadel, who deals with the recreational side of things at Beach Gardens, is very close to Ms. Theodore. The Recreation Department organized the birthday festivities last Thursday and Bernadel, also Haitian, often translates for the 112-yearold Creole speaker—as well as making sure her beloved coffee is just right!

“She knows coffee!” Bernadel laughed. “The last time she asked me for coffee, it wasn’t as strong [as] she’s used to, and she said ‘that’s not coffee you gave me, it’s sugar water!’”

Ms. Theodore with her granddaughters Sarah, Miriam and great grandchild Aaron.

Ms. Theodore with her granddaughters Sarah, Miriam and great grandchild Aaron.

The Beach Gardens employee said Ms. Theodore also enjoys discussing the cost of living in New York and Haitian cooking recipes, providing myriad tips on how to prepare and cook various meals. Although Ms. Theodore cannot see, Bernadel said she is very aware.

“When my daughter passed, [Ms. Theodore] cried. Every day, she asked me ‘how’s your boy doing’ about my son,” Bernadel added.

The Wave would like to take this opportunity to say Bòn Fèt, to one amazing lady. Happy 112th birthday, Ms Theodore!

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