Longtime Peninsula Resident Turns 100, And South City Celebrates

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Relatives drove from afar. Balloons fluttered. Dignitaries were on hand to award a plaque.

A longtime Bay Area resident turned 100 on Saturday, and the safety precautions that had to be taken amid a global coronavirus pandemic altered the way family and friends who gathered at a South San Francisco assisted living facility were able to celebrate Rhoda Marie Kay’s milestone.
But the party still went on.

Relatives drove in from Carson City for festivities that were limited by the strict social distancing rules enforced at Aegis Living San Francisco.

No visitors were allowed inside with the facility on lockdown.

Kay gazed outside her window as South San Francisco Mayor Richard Garbarino, seated and wearing a mask, extended birthday wishes and presented her with a plaque.

“These are unprecedented times, especially for those of us unable to be with our loved ones. Today's celebration at Aegis in South San Francisco served as an important reminder that while we may be physically separate, we can still find alternative new ways to bond and bring joy to other's lives, especially our local seniors,” Garbarino said.

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“It was an honor today to come and celebrate with Rhoda, and her family and friends at Aegis, such an inspirational woman and this amazing milestone. Happy 100th birthday, Rhoda!"

Kay, who grew up in San Bruno, studied to become a comptometer operator and eventually had a multidecade career working for CalPak (now Del Monte) before retiring in the late 70s.
She spent many years retired in Florida before returning home in the Bay Area.

As a teenager she was a talented pianist and organ player who performed at public ice skating rinks.

Joe Irber, Rhoda's son, was among her relatives who drove down to South San Francisco from the Sierras.

“Rhoda is an inspiration for us all, son and daughter and their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” Irber said.

“She has taught us that counting our blessings every day is a wonderful way to live.”

Saturday’s event underscored how facilities such as Aegis have had to be resourceful in the age of the new coronavirus, Aegis Living San Francisco’s Life Enrichment Director Jane Esaid acknowledged.

Mother’s Day celebrations at Aegis were held in similar fashion.

“There is no doubt the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed our lives,” Esaid said.

“We are so grateful we were able to make this 100th celebration extra special for our dear resident Rhoda. She was surprised by her family who made the drive down, and we are delighted with South San Francisco Mayor Richard Garbarino personally attending to acknowledge her special day.”

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• South Bay Teens Launch ‘Quarantine Kindness Grams’

Full coronavirus coverage: Coronavirus In California: What to Know