By JEFF LIPTON
'Not at all,' Mayor Ruzicka said last week when asked if he thought he would call Island Park home for the past 55 years.
Jeanne recently hit a milestone, turning 100 years old on June 26, and more than 100 family and friends got together at Temple Avodah in Oceanside on Sunday, July 20, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., to celebrate the special occasion.
Emil passed away about six years ago at the age of 94, and Jeanne lives with her son, George, in a home in Barnum Isle.
'She's still doing well, she's got all her marbles,' Mayor Ruzicka said.
The mayor said his mom still likes to watch TV and follows her favorite team, the Mets.
The entire family goes out at least once a month to keep their close ties.
'She's lived a very enjoyable life,' said the mayor. 'She's had a lot of good friends and family around her. That could add to a long life.'
She has no other secret for living a long life, he said.
The mayor said she worked as a secretary for a real estate agency and insurance firm, but was basically a stay-at-home mom, raising him, his brother and sister Marilyn. 'She was outstanding, she was always there for us,' said Mayor Ruzicka. 'She was very supportive in anything we did. She was very proud of us.'
During the party, she received a congratulatory letter from President Bush, as well as citations from Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray and Town Councilman Anthony Santino. 'It was just about getting the whole family together and having a good time,' Mayor Ruzicka said of the July 20 birthday party.
Comments about this story? Jlipton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 213.
