Longtime Lake Villa Resident Turns 100 Years Old

Rosella McCarthy was born February 15, 1922, in Menominee, Illinois, and was raised on a farm with her 6 siblings and 7 half siblings. Rosella met her future husband, Clifford E McCarthy, at a dance in Galena, Illinois. Rosella moved to the Waukegan area to live with her sister, Irma, while Clifford was in the Navy. Rosella and Clifford were married in San Diego, California, on December 31, 1944. After living in Waukegan for a short while, Rosella and Clifford settled in Lake Villa in 1949 to raise their family of 4 children, Carol, Janet, Richard and Diane. Rosella has 8 grandchildren, Jennifer, Kathryn, Megan, Rebecca, Emily, Cortney, Amanda and Andy, and 13 great grandchildren, Hannah, Josh, Luke, Jordan, Charlie, Elliott, Johnny, Jake, Isabel, Adeline, James, Ella and Ryder.

Rosella was President of Lake Villa VFW Women's Auxiliary from 1956-1958. She also was a founding member of Prince of Peace Church. Rosella was the cook at Pleviak Elementary School in Lake Villa for many years. Baker of the best peanut butter cookies and lemon bars! She and Clifford, who was a volunteer fireman with Lake Villa Fire Department, ran the carnival rides for many years for the Lake Villa Fire Department carnival held each year the first week in August. In the 90's Rosella served as President, Vice President and Treasurer of Lake Villa Chapter of AARP Marching and riding in many of Lake Vila parades. She also served as an election judge for many years.

What an amazing lady! Happy 100th Birthday Mom!