Celebrating Florentina: 101 Years of Life, Friendship, and Community
Florentina’s story began 101 years ago in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Today, she calls Mesa, Arizona home. Though she lives independently, she is never truly alone. Her daughter, Patty, lives nearby, and Florentina also has the support of Julie, a volunteer with Aster’s Neighbors Program.
Julie visits regularly, spending quality time with Florentina and brightening her days. For Patty, these visits mean far more than companionship.
“She goes above and beyond to make sure my mom has a good time when she visits, even painting her nails! She is warm and legitimate, a person that is instantly trusted,” Patty shared.
This past year, Julie joined Florentina and her loved ones in celebrating an incredible milestone: her 101st birthday. Julie even brought her own family to share in the joy, creating a gathering filled with laughter, warmth, and love.
Julie treasures her role as a friendly visitor. “I love being a friendly visitor,” she says. “She has so much to teach me, and she is always so happy when I visit!”
On the topic of living to 101 years old, Florentina offers the following wisdom:
Take long walks
Do crossword puzzles
Make your bed every morning
Do the dishes promptly after eating
Keep your living space clean and tidy.
Stories like Florentina’s show the heart of the Neighbors Program. Volunteers provide more than just rides to medical appointments, the pharmacy, or the grocery store. They bring friendship, connection, and dignity to older adults across the East Valley. From phone calls to coffee chats, from board games to birthday celebrations, Neighbors volunteers make a meaningful difference every day.
You can be part of this impact. By becoming a Neighbors volunteer, you’ll give older adults the support they need to stay healthy, independent, and connected. The time commitment is flexible, and every visit or ride—no matter how small—creates a ripple of kindness in someone’s life.
Start your volunteer journey today.
Contact:
Anne Wurth, Neighbors Program Coordinator
Email: awurth@asteraz.org
Phone: 480-629-5502
