'In my mind I'm still only 29 years old': Bloomingdale woman turns 100

"My body doesn't move like it used to, but in my mind I'm still only 29 years old," says longtime Bloomingdale resident and new centenarian Olga Eng, who turns 100 on March 11. She credits her long life to staying physically active and keeping busy. Eng never got her driver's license and did not ride a bike so she walked everywhere. She still lives in her own apartment and welcomes her 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren and their families to stay in her home when they are visiting.

Eng is well-known for affectionately greeting each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren "Hello Dolly!"

Born Olga Riccardini in rural Oglesby, Illinois in 1919 her family moved to Chicago during the Great Depression. She later met Frank Eng in her family's boarding house and married in 1945. As a lifetime Illinois resident, she lived in the Jefferson Park neighborhood of Chicago and together they raised four children; Vivian, Delores, Lorraine, and Dennis. Dennis went to serve in the Army during Vietnam.

In 1962, Eng and her husband opened Frank Eng's restaurant in Harwood Heights which was taken over by a cousin of the family about 30 years ago following their retirement. The restaurant is still open for business serving traditional Cantonese dishes 57 years later. Her late husband, Frank passed away 17 years ago and Eng moved to Bloomingdale a few years later.

When asked about turning 100 years old and any advice she can offer, Eng says "Eat healthy and stay active."