by Delilah Aguilar
Redondo Beach resident Irene Marino joined the exclusive 1% club of the population that reaches 100 years old. Marino celebrated the occasion at home surrounded by family and friends at a Hawaiian-themed birthday bash on Sunday, July 28.
Marino moved to Redondo in 2013 to be with her daughter Cheryl Marino, son-in-law Bill Drews, and grandson Jared Drews.
For the majority of her life, Marino lived in south Ohio, where she and her four siblings were raised by their Hungarian immigrant parents.
Marino worked as a nurse’s aide until 1952 when she married Richard Marino and became a homemaker. She continues to enjoy polka dancing, and traveling with her daughter.
“Her siblings and parents weren’t big travelers, but I always loved taking her with me on vacations despite how timid she could be. She was always a trooper,” Cheryl said.
Irene was a very lively free spirit,” the daughter said, “until she caught COVID-19, which led to her dementia.
‘Despite her diagnosis, her kind and positive personality remains,” Cheryl said.
“My mom will always live on in our minds and hearts with great positive memories. She was always a sweet woman. Even today with dementia she is never angry or mean. I think she knows how much we love her and that we’re always going to be here for her,” Cheryl said.
Throughout her life, Marino shared wonderful advice and insights with her family.
On a day when her grandson, Jared, was having a rough time in school, she told him, “It’s okay to cry, but remember laughing is more important.” It’s apparent that throughout her life Marino touched the hearts of many considering how many loved ones showed up to celebrate the 100th year of her long and happy life.
“I pray to God every day for my mom to make it each day. Celebrating her 100th birthday is exciting, but I was also a little terrified something would happen. But It’s the best feeling in the world to know she survived 100 years. I almost can’t believe it,” Cheryl said. ER
