At 102, Helen Delbove urges a loving heart

Helen Delbove, seated, celebrates her 102nd birthday at Brookdale Emerson on Oct. 23 with family, staff, Mayor Danielle DiPaola and Police Chief Mark Savino. The officials presented her with a resolution honoring the milestone. Photo courtesy of Brookdale
Helen Delbove, seated, celebrates her 102nd birthday at Brookdale Emerson on Oct. 23 with family, staff, Mayor Danielle DiPaola and Police Chief Mark Savino. The officials presented her with a resolution honoring the milestone. Photo courtesy of Brookdale

EMERSON, N,J.—Helen Delbove has traveled the world, raised a family and watched it grow to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren. At 102, her advice is simple.

“Live your life because it’s short,” she said. “Have a loving heart for other humans.”

Delbove celebrated her 102nd birthday at Brookdale Emerson on Oct. 23, joined by family, friends and staff. Mayor Danielle DiPaola and Police Chief Mark Savino attended and presented her with a resolution recognizing the milestone, according to Brookdale.

Born in New York City in 1924, Delbove lived in Manhattan before moving to the Emerson senior living community. She worked as an executive secretary for the American Cancer Society and is especially proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her love of travel has taken her to Spain, Portugal, England, China, Japan, Germany and Hawaii. These days, she enjoys reading, watching the morning news and socializing with friends at Brookdale.

She attributes her longevity to a positive mindset and taking good care of her diet.

Family members attending the celebration included her son, Hugo Delbove, and his wife.