Celebrating 65 Years of Marriage: Juana & Santiago’s Anniversary Party
Flushing, NY – May 15, 2023 – Juana & Santiago have been CenterLight PACE participants since 2011. At 82 and 102 years old respectively, they showed us all how they are seriously Keeping up with the PACE of Aging at yesterday's hopping 65th Wedding Anniversary at our Flushing (DHC) Day Health Center!
The couple have been CenterLight PACE Participants for almost 13 years. They got married in the Dominican Republic in 1952. After having 7 children, they immigrated to Queens in 1996. They now have 24 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. Many family members joined their CenterLight family at our DHC for wedding games, traditional Dominican food and cake, live entertainment, and tons of dancing!
Juana and Santiago have made many friends at the DHC in their decade+ here. Juana lost her eyesight when she was 45, yet still learned to crochet at the DHC and has been creating hats, scarfs, and bags ever since. A woman of strong faith, Juana says that learning to crochet was a great blessing to her - she finds it’s therapeutic and relaxing.
CenterLight PACE Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Martha has developed a close relationship with them over the years and tells us that Juana is “very social, always happy, has a great sense of humor, and is a great dancer.” Likewise, she says that Santiago is also very social and is “always in good spirits, making friends” and loves music, dancing and playing dominoes.
In addition to many of CenterLight staff, President & CEO Tara Buonocore-Rut, and Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Shaun Ruskin, stopped by to offer their congratulations and take part in the merriment. Some press even came out to cover the Urena's story - one that is truly inspiring & beautiful!
Several local press outlets came to cover this incredible story! Check out the stories by clicking on the links below.
Couple Celebrates 65th Wedding Anniversary at Flushing Health Center
QNS, Flushing Post, May 19, 2023
Historias de inmigrantes: Juana y Santiago Ureña, 65 años de casados
NY1 Noticias, May 19, 2023