StemCell Therapy

Rocking a bejeweled crown and a fashionably-oversized pair of hot pink rhinestone-studded glasses, Pearle Williams held court Friday at Cornerstone Assisted Living in Vacaville.

Twas an early celebration of her 107th birthday, which is Saturday.

As an exuberant chorus of Happy Birthday swelled around her, the queen of the hour lounged in her wheelchair throne. All around her blush pink balloons waved, a memory board filled with photos served as a backdrop, a lushly frosted cake ringed with colorful roses beckoned and a huge roomful of friends, fellow residents and staff applauded.

I dont know what I owe my longevity too, Williams mused moments before she blew out her birthday candles and the singing started. Im not used to this.

Lourdes Dunham, Cornerstones activity director, fussed over her.

I had to bribe her, she admitted, about getting the spunky Williams to don the fanciful accessories, with this chocolate cake. She loves anything chocolate.

Seems the birthday girl was born in 1913 and grew up in Chicago. She was the oldest of three girls and outlived her sisters, Lillian and Sylvia.

She remembers the cold, living through a multitude of wars and the Depression, and the name of every American president. There were also weekend movies for a nickel and bags of popcorn for the same price.

Williams also told of fun Saturdays that involved dancing and a drink or two.

I liked a little bit of bourbon, she confided.

She married her sweetheart, who later joined the Navy. They would later have a son and a daughter, both of whom would give her her beloved grandchildren.

Williams told a wild tale of being pregnant with her son.

I was in labor, she recalled. Two women and a cousin took me (to the hospital). The bridge was out.

The other women were frightened and holding their breath, she continued, but everything turned out for the best.

These days, the youngster-at-heart enjoys simple pleasures.

I like to sleep, she said. Getting her hair done is also on her priority list.

Dunham shared that Williams is also a gamer.

Shes still playing bingo, still playing poker, the activity director said.

Her secret to longevity?

I inherited some good genes, she offered, adding that she also eats lots of fruits and vegetables.

Fellow residents and friends said her outlook is special.

Even when shes having a bad day, eventually she smiles and comes around, shared Betty Corison.

Shes always in good spirits, chimed in Rita McCain.

Louise Lester has known Williams for about seven years and said they formed a tight bond.

Pearle is just a great person. Shes a sweetheart, she said. Im proud to know her and be a friend of hers.

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With sparkle and glam, Vaca birthday girl toasts 107 - Vacaville Reporter

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