Monroe Celebrates Centenarians

Five centenarians currently live at The Gardens at Monroe, a healthcare and rehabilitation center. The centenarians, their ages and birth dates are: Helen Fried, 107, Feb. 16, 1911; Rose “Rosie” Bromberg, 105, Aug. 24, 1913; Anna Corso, 103, Feb. 18, 1915; Margaret Badders, 101, July 27, 1917; and Lillian Fishelberg, 100, May 7, 1918.

Fried grew up in the Bronx, NY. Fried attended Hunter College and graduated in 1931. She is the oldest living graduate. Hunter College named Fried alumni of the century and had the honor of attending and speaking at the 85th reunion.

Bromberg grew up in Paterson, NJ where she worked in a candy store with her parents making ice cream sodas. Her favorite activity was dancing. In later years, Bromberg moved to Florida, before moving back to NJ five years ago. Bromberg has two children, five grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Corso spent most of her adult life in Toms River, NJ. She raised two children as a stay-at-home mom. Corso said, “The secret to a long and healthy life is to drink lots of Coca-Cola and eat no vegetables.”

Badders grew up in the Bronx, NY and is one of 10 children. Badders worked retail in her youth. Her favorite thing to do was go to radio shows with her friend. Badders’ family said, “She loves to watch old television shows.”

Fishelberg grew up in Brooklyn, NY. She is the youngest of seven children. When she married, Fishelberg moved to Atlantic City and had two children. Her house always had pets, including “Precious”, the alligator who lived in the bathtub. Fishelberg enjoyed fishing with her husband and the kids.

Five cheers to a hundred years, ladies!