Casa de Sol Celebrates 105 Years of Life

A Tribute to "Pat" on Her Remarkable Milestone Birthday

By Susan Slater

Alice Patricia Berei, known as “Pat,” celebrated her 105th birthday at Casa de Sol’s clubhouse, surrounded by friends and some family. Pat’s birthday was not only a celebration of age, but of the fun and friendship she experienced in her community.

Pat was born in Henry, Illinois, in 1920 and grew up on a dairy farm in Farmington as the sixth of eight children. She used to deliver bottles of milk from the farm. Her brother, Larry Dennis, was a World War II veteran and prisoner of war at Stalag 17. Pat’s family legacy continues through her five children, twelve grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

She worked in a flower shop, spent time at Dun & Bradstreet, and in the mid-1960s launched her own trucking dispatch company, managing 13 small truck lines from her home between 1967 and 1972.

She and her card-playing friends remember her golfing in her early years at the park. Pat proudly recalled getting a hole in one and cow pastures on either side of the park when she moved in.

Maryann Moody said, “My best memories of Pat was taking her to have her hair and nails done and playing cards together.”

Residents sang Happy Birthday to Pat while she blew out candles on her carrot cake. Casa de Sol’s clubhouse was festively decorated in fall colors, tiers of orange cupcakes and fall leaf-themed napkins.

Pat’s niece, Gina Streeter and Linda and Mike Hannappel, helped organize the birthday party. Thirty-six residentsexcept one couple who returned for the celebration allsang “Happy Birthday,” as Pat blew out her candles. Linda played “Young at Heart” by Frank Sinatra through her phone, a fitting tribute to Pat who loves to be surrounded by friends and family having fun.

When asked about reaching 105 years of age, Pat modestly replied that she simply had good genes, with no real secrets to reveal.