Super Centenarian turns 112 at Parker Jewish

Rose Caleca, a resident at the Parker Jewish Institute in New Hyde Park, is one of the few Super Centenarians in the entire world, having just celebrated her 112th birthday.
Originally from Sicily, Italy, Caleca came to the United States in 1925. After her husband passed away in 1941, Caleca went to work making hats at a place on 39th Street in Manhattan.
Caleca is the mother of five children, and has numerous grandchildren. “She was always there,” said Marie Tursi, one of Caleca’s daughters. “She cooked, worked hard, made our clothes and cleaned, took us to the movies. She was with us all the time.”
After having lived in Mattituck, on Long Island, Caleca moved to Parker Jewish Institute about three years ago. Last week, the facility held a birthday party for her in honor of her 112th.
“It’s really a celebration. It’s absolutely wonderful,” said Michael N. Rosenblut, the President and Chief Executive Officer at Parker Jewish Institute. “This woman has so much to share with us with her history and her knowledge.”
Dr. Conn Foley, the Senior Vice President of Medical Services and Chairman of the Department of Medicine, said that there are increasingly more people living beyond the age of 100.
Foley also said that longevity can be related to genetics and that if a person’s parents make it to over 100, then the chances of their children doing so increases. Caleca’s mother lived to 103. She also has a sister who is 102, and another that is 98.
“I think it’s the drive to live,” Rosenblut said of Caleca’s long life. “I think that she is well-cared for by…not only our staff but by her family.”
During her party, Caleca said that it felt wonderful to be turning 112. She was also very thankful to everyone who came to the party.
Tursi said that it felt good to watch her mom celebrate such a big birthday.
“It’s unbelievable,” Tursi said. “She’s amazed.”