by Susan Slater

Casa del Sol’s oldest living resident celebrates 106 years of life and 61 years of living in her community.

Fifteen relatives gathered at the Casa del Sol clubhouse to celebrate an extraordinary milestone as Pat Berei turned 106 years old on Sept. 27.

Born in 1920 in Henry, Illinois, Pat witnessed more than a century of change while her life centered on family, hard work, and friendship. Pat grew up in Sparland, Illinois, where she attended school. Her father taught at the school, although she was never one of his students.

After graduating from high school in 1937, she went directly into the workforce. Pat worked as an operator and dispatcher for Lane Transfer in Farmington, Illinois, often dispatching truck drivers from her home using an old crank telephone switchboard with plug connections.

She also worked as a typist for Dun & Bradstreet. Family has always been at the heart of Pat’s life. She survived two husbands and is the proud matriarch of a large family that includes five children, 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She also devoted countless hours as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader for her children.

Pat moved into Casa del Sol in 1981 and was among the park’s original residents, back when a horse farm occupied the neighboring property.

Over the years she became known for her creativity, sewing more than 36 quilts and mastering macramé. She enjoys Hallmark movies, television game shows, and Drumstick ice cream cones, the miniature ones.

An avid bowler in her younger days, Pat also scored a hole-in-one and earned a reputation among friends as a formidable card player.

“She’s a wonderful lady and a great card player,” said close friend Helen Bruck, who has known Pat for 36 years.

Friend June Johnson added, “We were sewing buddies for 25 years. She is a great and giving lady.”

With family and friends surrounding her, Pat’s remarkable story continues, one birthday at a time.