ROY — After 102 birthdays, cake and balloons still don’t get old.
Just ask Adriana Dalebout, of Roy, who celebrated her 102nd birthday Jan. 13 with enough balloons and cake to go around for the crowd of family and friends who came to enjoy her celebration at Heritage Park Care Center.
As a member of the centenarian club — exclusive to those 100 years and older — Dalebout’s secret to a long life was discussed by her three sons at the birthday bash. And all of her sons agreed to attribute her long life to her healthy habits and the unconditional love she has given to others.
“She’s always been in good health, probably because she doesn’t let things get underneath her skin,” said David Dalebout, 75, her oldest son, from Syracuse. “She just lets things roll off her back and doesn’t dwell on things.”
David Dalebout recalled how his mom significantly influenced the lives of several people, including one of his friends who needed a place to live during his teen years. He became like a family member, living with the Dalebouts for a number of years.
For Adriana — nicknamed Edna — hitting 102 wasn’t necessarily a lifelong goal, but she said she has no regrets in life.
“I have worked hard and took care of my kids and other people and have loved doing that,” Edna said. “I try to live the best I can and try to be good to everybody in my life.”
Words to live by, say family members who credit Edna’s loving nature to her parents.
“She comes from a generation of a loving family and treats everyone as if you’re her favorite,” said her second-oldest son, Dennis Dalebout, 70, from Roy.
Edna said the best thing about her life was being married to her husband for 74 years. Her husband, Sylvester, died four years ago.
The two had a good marriage, Edna said, but certainly didn’t lack the trials that every family experiences.
“There is a schooling that hard times give you that gets you through the rest of life,” said Karen Dalebout, David Dalebout’s wife, when asked how the family got through the difficult times.
Karen said Edna is simply one of the most kind, loving, and passionate women she has met.
Edna’s youngest son, Mark Dalebout, 62, of Marriott-Slaterville, confided that although she had good healthy habits, Edna didn’t hesitate to cook with butter or bacon grease.
“One thing she always said was something her mother taught her — anything with a too in front of it was not good, such as too much of this, or too little of that,” Mark said, “so she enjoyed things — just not too little, and not too much.”
Mark said she just keeps going and always has a good attitude about her situation.
Growing up, Edna was the second of seven children. She’s the only one still living and says:
“I just keep hanging in there.”
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