Local centenarian and Traditions of Cross Keys resident celebrates 101st birthday

Traditions of Cross Keys honored resident Winifred “Winnie” Scalzitti on her 101st birthday Nov. 10. Residents, family members, and Washington Township Mayor Anthony DellaPia attended the celebration in the community’s dining room.

Executive Director Ellen Scagnelli said, “Winnie, your 101 years have been filled with love, positivity, laughter, and grace. You continue to inspire everyone around you with your strength, kindness, and beautiful spirit. Wishing you a very happy 101st birthday — a celebration of a truly remarkable life!”

Born in 1924 in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, Winnie grew up in a small, close-knit neighborhood with her younger sister and brother. Her father was a coal miner, and despite simple living conditions, including an outdoor bathroom and a wooden tub in the kitchen, her childhood was filled with love and laughter.

At 17, Winnie became ill and was sent to a sanitarium, where doctors initially suspected tuberculosis. After a year, she was diagnosed with pleurisy, an inflammation affecting the lungs. Even at a young age, her resilient spirit shone through, and she kept busy working as a secretary while recovering.

When she returned home, Winnie attended secretarial school and began the next chapter of her life with optimism and determination. In 1948, she married a man from Cuba and moved to his homeland to live with his family. Their daughter was born in 1954. After the marriage ended, Winnie later married an American serviceman, and the couple returned to the United States, where their son was born. Her husband’s work with NASA took the family on many adventures across the country.

Throughout her life, Winnie has taken great care of herself by eating well, exercising regularly, and staying active. She loved swimming and was a fan of country line dancing. She never smoked and rarely drank. She also enjoys a few favorite treats, including bananas, ice cream, especially butter pecan and strawberry, dark chocolate, and just about any meal she did not have to cook herself.

A devoted Catholic, Winnie faithfully attended church and said the Rosary each night. She continues to attend Mass and enjoys gathering with her rosary group. Those who know Winnie describe her as patient, kind, and understanding. She has a sweet nature and is loved by everyone she meets.

Traditions of Cross Keys, located at 3152 Glassboro Cross Keys Road, provides seniors with assisted living and memory care services through an affordable month-to-month lease with no buy-in fees. Rent includes an apartment style, 24-hour assistance, three hearty meals served daily, housekeeping, a stimulating activities program, on-site therapy services, and more. Daybreak, the memory care neighborhood, provides security and structured routines designed to nurture past hobbies, professions, and passions using music, arts and crafts, games, and education. To learn more, please call 856-307-2100 or visit www.traditionsofcrosskeys.com.