Neighbor News
Age is just a number
Vibrant Illa Toompuu, celebrates her 108th Birthday at Brandywine Living at The Gables
(Brick, NJ) Illa Toompuu is celebrating her 108th Halloween Birthday week at Brandywine Living at the Gables in Brick Township, NJ.
Originally from Estonia, she is the oldest living Estonian. Representatives of the Ocean County Estonian Society stopped by the Brandywine community for a social and safe visit to acknowledge her birthday. Annually she is listed in Estonian newspapers in celebration of her special day.
Born in Russia, she and her parents moved to Estonia when she was a child. Her family eventually immigrated to the USA, settling in Lakewood NJ during her teen years.
Her son Aadu, aged 88 lives in San Diego. Illa is a foodie who loves to eat but her favorites are soft roasted vegetables, Annie’s Ginger Cookies, and Poland Spring Water.
She has been a resident of Brandywine Living at The Gables since 2016 and is currently the oldest living resident throughout Brandywine Living's 30 communities.
When asked for advice on a long healthy life, she advised, "Always smile and stay away from sugar!"