Alvernia Manor Resident Turns 105

LEMONT, IL — Alvernia Manor resident Margaret Soich celebrated quite the milestone on June 5, when she turned 105. The centenarian was born in 1917, and celebrated with the retirement home residents, staff and family members with a party on Monday.

Soich's parents both came to the United States from Sicily, and met through family friends. Soich is one of eight siblings, and grew up in Streator. Three of her siblings lived into their 90s, Soich's daughter, Peggy, told Patch.

Soich and one of her sisters even sang on WLS-AM 980 radio, Soich said.

Soich met her husband at a dance hall in Chicago. They had three children together; Peggy, Bill, and James, who passed away in 2020.

Soich lived independently until she was 100, Peggy said. She has lived at Alvernia Manor for over four years.

When asked what her secret to living to 105 was, Soich said, "Be good for everyone. [And] always love Jesus."