UPDATED 7/21/25
As Father Michael T. McClane, pastor of Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle, listened to his parishioner, Helen Turso, share stories about her experiences over the past 100 years, he was awed to think about all she has witnessed — the people she has met, the lessons she learned, the love and kindness she shared with others and the ever evolving changes taking place in society.
Holy Eucharist parishioner Hele Turso celebrates with ‘a good cup of tea’ at her 100th birthday party June 5th with fellow seniors. Courtesy photos
“Older adults have much to teach us about the meaning of life,” Father McClane said June 5 celebration the parish’s seniors group hosted in honor of Turso’s 100th birthday.
“Theirs is a wisdom, matured over time, that can help us face the ever-new questions and challenges raised by today’s rapidly evolving society,” Father McClane said, quoting Pope Francis’ “Summary of the Holy Father’s Words” March 2, 2022 General Audience.
Turso’s contributions to the church moved parishioners to reflect on the extreme value of the elderly in the parish community. “I’m amazed by the church. We have a senior group that really takes care of them,” said Fran Jaworski, a parishioner and volunteer who has gotten to know Helen through parish involvement.
Born in Jersey City in 1925, Turso, who will actually turn 100 in August, takes pride in how she continues to enjoy a very independent life. She regularly takes the bus to the grocery store, the mall and on occasion — to Atlantic City. She continues to play cards with friends, in a group which once numbered forty, and has now dwindled to four.
During the birthday celebration, which was held a couple of months early since the seniors group does not regularly meet in the summer, Turso was feted for her many contributions to her beloved Holy Eucharist Parish, where she remains very active.
As Turso wore a sash that read “100 and Fabulous,” she smiled as Father McClane and the group members sang “Happy Birthday” and enjoyed birthday cake. “She was such a delight,” said Jaworski.
When asked about her secret to living such a long life, the Southampton resident simply responded with “a good cup of tea every day.”
“In a parish everyone has a voice. Everyone has dignity and value,” Father McClane maintained. “Our older parishioners have so much kindness, prayer and love to share.”
A brief clip of Turso’s celebration was also aired on Philadelphia’s 6ABC in a touching tribute. “She said she always wanted to be on TV,” commented Jaworski, who organized the tribute. “The lady’s incredible, she really is.”
