Sunrise resident celebrates 105th birthday

Helen Woodcock is known for her big smile, and she was smiling a lot last week when Sunrise Assisted Living Naperville North celebrated her 105th birthday.

About 50 people turned out for the party, where Helen was serenaded with "Happy Birthday" and good wishes. Helen obviously enjoyed the attention.

"She is the sweetest lady," said Jerelyn Cole, memory care coordinator at Sunrise.

After having grown up in a rural area, Helen lived most of her married life in Downers Grove, where she was a homemaker and worked as a clerk. She is the mother of two sons, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She moved to Sunrise Assisted Living 12 years ago.

While sweet and often smiling, Helen can also speak her mind.

"She is a ball of fire still," Cole said. "She tells you as it is when she thinks something is wrong."