If you happen to be 105 through 109 years old, you are what is called a semi-supercentenarian.
The spirited and engaging Ruth Fiore joined that club on Saturday afternoon, celebrating the 1-oh-5 mark with an afternoon celebration at the Terraces of Los Gatos main building.
Originally from Norwalk, Conn., Fiore resides in the Lodge at the Terraces of Los Gatos. With the assistance of Terraces staff, daughter Lauren put together the momentous birthday party. A large chocolate cake was served to the appreciative crowd at the gathering.
Fiore moved to California in 2012 at age 91 to be closer to her family. She has two daughters, Lauren and Janet, four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and five great-great-grands.
Fiore said that her new residence (the Terraces) already feels like home.
“Ruth’s route”
Fiore likes walking with her gaily decorated walker around the Fireside lounge in the main building. “I walk daily for at least one half-hour,” she told me.
Fiore improvised this walking routine and is always greeted cheerfully along the way.
As I learned, Fiore is an inspiration to those around her. Fiore also attends the Town Hall Community Chat held on the premises.
This where invited speakers come in to address residents on local happenings.
Fiore is also known for her line dancing and participation in musical events.
“The Residents’ RAG”
Photos of Fiore on her daily walk were placed on the cover of this month’s RAG, showing her on her daily walks. The RAG is published by an in-house team and comes out monthly.
As she strolls the corridors, the RAG team cheers her on.
Walking by the Notions N’ Needs shop she receives applause.
Ruth was also awarded a medal, as well as having a plaque placed in her honor.
It reads: “RUTH’S ROUTE / Dedicated to Ruth on her 105th birthday and beyond. A testament to endurance and joy.”
Pat Smith, editor and publisher of the RAG, handed a copy to me during the party.
Inside is an article honoring Fiore as “Super Ruth.” It notes that Fiore “—whether by design or disposition—keeps moving forward.”
The usual question everyone asks is, What is your secret for living so long? Fiore could not provide one secret. She credits good genes. Her father was close to 99 when he passed. And her older brother was just shy of 100. At the Terraces, she volunteered in the gift shop helping with the greeting cards. Another key to longevity is Fiore is always ready to dance. She participates in line dancing, Zumba classes and of course the “Terraces Follies.”
As a child in Norwalk Fiore loved rollerskating, hopscotch and marbles. Are you old enough to know what “aggies” are? She is. Today she loves crosswords, jumbo word puzzles and Nintendo-bowling (she even bowled a 225 game). Fiore retains her die hard competitive spirit.
In addition to being quite a competitive youth, Fiore participated in volunteer initiatives in her younger years. For four decades, while still living in Norwalk, she delivered “Meals on Wheels” to those in need. Fiore also volunteered at her two daughters’ schools, local church group and Norwalk Senior Center. The mayor of Norwalk even acknowledged her with an award.
There are also several other Terraces of Los Gatos residents that are right around the century birthday mark.
The Gatan will be sure to be there to help celebrate the longevity that many are now experiencing.
Happy 105th birthday to Ruth Fiore!
