Edelweiss Village Assisted Living Resident Alice Gillis Turns 105!

To mark this amazing milestone, the staff and residents presented Alice with a beautifully decorated cake and many well wishes. Alice also enjoyed a birthday brunch at Lake Pearl in Wrentham with about 20 family members, many who traveled from Canada for this momentous occasion.

Born in Boston in 1918, Allice was the eighth child in a family of ten. The family moved to Jamaica Plain, and then to Dedham, where Alice lived in the same house on Pleasant Street for 69 years. Alice worked as an Administrative Assistant at Boston City Hospital (now Boston Medical) for 33 years in the Department of Anesthesia. After her “retirement,” Alice joined senior groups in the Dedham area and orchestrated trips all over the country, reinforcing her love of travel.

Always on-the-go, Alice lived independently until two was 101. At Edelweiss Village, Alice keeps busy with card games, word games and exercise classes. She loves Wheel of Fortune and, most especially, the many holiday celebrations.

Jill Hemeon, Director of Community Relations at Edelweiss Village Assisted Living, noted that Alice is adored by residents and staff alike. “Alice is warm, personable, friendly, and so funny,” remarked Hemeon. “She recently told me that her main objective in life is to outlive her sister Tootsie, who passed away just one month shy of her 106th birthday. I have no doubt that Alice will accomplish her goal”

When asked what she attributes to her longevity , Alice was quick to respond. ““Genetics, never getting married and sweets, “ Alice said with a laugh. “In fact, I think sugar is a natural preservative!”

About Edelweiss Village and Deutsches Altenheim

Established in 1914, Deutsches Altenheim was originally designed to serve as a retirement residence for elderly German Americans. As Deutsches Altenheim expanded and flourished, the organization became a centerpiece in the Greater Boston community. Today the nonprofit, with a consistent 5-Star rating, continues to offer superior care in a trusting and experienced environment. Its campus in West Roxbury provides long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, memory care, assisted living, and adult day health services to residents and clients of all ethnic, national, and religious backgrounds.