Surprise birthday bash honors Sylvia Yonalunás as she nears 100

SHENANDOAH, Pa. — Every Wednesday, these ladies gather at the Greater Shenandoah Area Senior Citizens Center in Schuylkill County for bingo. 

For decades, they have sat alongside each other as the numbers are called and the cards are marked, but on Wednesday, one number matters more than any other.

The cards and prizes took a back seat to a surprise celebration for Sylvia Yonalunás, who is turning 100 years old on New Year’s Eve.

Born in Hawaii, friends at the center thought an ocean-themed cake suited her best.

Sylvia Yonalunás, the birthday girl, says, “Hi, everybody! What a surprise! All of you can keep secrets pretty good. I didn’t even have an inkling. I was wondering why she came over and curled my hair.”

Staff members say celebrating Sylvia comes easily. 

Greater Shenandoah Area Senior Citizens Center President Betty Shwartz says, “Oh yeah, yeah. Everybody knows Sylvia. Yeah, yeah, and she’s the most giving and kind person.”

Attending bingo every week for more than 20 years, Sylvia is a friend to everyone here.

That’s especially true of her friendship with Louise Kelly, who had a big part in the big birthday surprise. Sylvia and Louise’s friendship blossomed thanks to a connection made over something sweet.

Louise Kelly of Shenandoah says, “Swedish Fish. She likes Swedish fish, and I do too, so every time I brought some, I’d bring her a box too, and we’d share them.”

Sylvia retired after 18 years as a nurse’s aid and then volunteered for much of her last 30 working years. Sylvia kept in shape to make it to this milestone. “I hope I live to be 100 now. I still have a couple of days. Not until New Year’s Eve!”

After a century of life filled with laughter, love, and friendship, much like her love for Swedish fish, Sylvia’s kindness has sweetened the lives of everyone around her. 

“Yay, Sylvia! Thank you. Oh my God, thank you so much, all of you.”