By Melissa Fili
MethuenLife Writer
Wearing a crown of roses and baby’s breath, along with a shirt proclaiming “101 Years Loved,” Methuen’s Dora (Sarcione) Uliano last month celebrated a century-plus-one years of life!
A party honoring the Methuen Village assisted-living resident featured a lovely cake and a rousing “Happy Birthday” song, plus well wishes from a roomful of family and friends. Mayor DJ Beauregard personally wished Mrs. Uliano a Happy Birthday and presented her with a citation marking the milestone.
Father Joe Thomas, a fellow resident, greeted his dear friend Dora with a kiss on the head. He told MethuenLife, “She is uncomplaining. She takes what is and goes from there.”
Dora and her late husband, Silvio “Sy” Uliano Sr., were married 61 years and lived in Methuen for 24 years. They raised three children: Silvio Jr., Dora and Clarissa. The birthday girl’s family also includes nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
“She was a stay-at-home mom – always there for us and involved with our school,” Clarissa told MethuenLife. “She was wonderful. I’m so blessed!”
Once her children were older, Dora worked first as a bank teller in Methuen, then as the manager of safety deposit boxes at Bay State National Bank (later Bank of New England) on Essex Street in Lawrence.
Today, she enjoys playing BINGO and attending music programs at Methuen Village, where she faithfully attends Mass led by Father Joe.
Reflecting on her long life and wonderful 61-year marriage, she says there’s really no secret.
“Be happy, but true,” she recommends. “We did a lot of things together, especially at (St. Mary’s) church.”
As family, friends, staff and residents gathered to sing “Happy Birthday,” a fellow Methuen Village tenant smiled at Dora and said, “You’re beautiful!”
Dora’s daughter Clarissa spoke highly of the care her mom receives at Methuen Village.
“The personal-care attendants have been really wonderful to her. And the people in dining room – they’re so awesome to her. They’ll cut up her food or make her something special,” Clarissa said. “I’m very, very pleased with Methuen Village – everyone is wonderful, top to bottom.”
Fr. Joe Thomas, a fellow Methuen Village resident, kisses Dora on the head after the crowd sang “Happy Birthday.”
Mayor DJ Beauregard presented Dora Uliano a citation marking her 101st birthday! A woman of strong faith, Uliano wears a crown of roses and baby breath, reminiscent of the year when – as a child – she was queen of the May Procession. It’s a memory that to this day makes her smile! ML photos by Melissa Fili
