Irma Rosenson celebrated her 100th birthday, surrounded by friends and family, and looked back on her life over the past century.
Encore Luxury Living, an upscale senior residence in Jericho, celebrated on Monday, Jan. 26, for Rosenson, which included her family, friends and neighbors, as well as cake and live music performed by Encore’s music therapist.
Rosenson was born on Jan. 26, 1926, in Mount Vernon in Westchester County, and she said her life was difficult when she was young, as her mother died when she was 13 years old, leaving behind four children.
“We were struggling,” she said. “Everyone of us somehow or another managed to create a life for themselves,” she said.
Rosenson said she was unable to afford college when she was younger, so she worked several jobs, including as a teaching assistant.
Rosenson eventually earned her undergraduate degree and then studied at Adelphi University, where she earned her master’s degree and later taught special education for 13 years as an adjunct professor.
Along the way, Rosenson met her husband and they had two kids together. She said that her kids have since had children of their own, giving Irma eight grandchildren, with one great-grandchild on the way.
Rosneson said she moved to Long Island in 1954, originally settling in Hempstead. She lived in Manhattan for 13 years, then returned to Long Island, calling Jericho her new home.
Rosenson said that although some of her family still reside in Jericho, many live throughout the country. For the past four years, Rosenson’s family has gathered to celebrate her birthday.
“It’s sort of a special occasion,” she said.
Rosenson said it’s exciting to see her family come together, especially those whom she doesn’t get to see as often. The family had a party at Rosenson’s granddaughter’s home in Great Neck, as well as the festivities on her actual birthday.
