Even after 100 years, life can still surprise you.
For Rita, a beloved resident of Atria Park of Glen Ellyn, that surprise began with a team member casually asking her to step into the dining room.
As she rounded the corner, a red carpet stretched out before her. The community team showered Rita with flower petals while her family and dozens of fellow residents erupted into cheers to celebrate a century of a life well lived.
“Oh my gosh! When did you all get here?” were the only words that came to mind.
It was exactly the reaction Engage Life Director Bader Khan had hoped for.
“Seeing that first smile is the best part,” Bader explained. “That’s the moment people remember the most.”
But creating a birthday surprise like this doesn’t happen by accident.
About a month before her centennial, Bader began planning. Her first step was connecting with Rita’s family to make sure they were excited about the surprise and to gather the stories and photos that would help bring it to life.
Rita has a well-known aversion to raisins, so despite teasing about celebrating her with raisin cake one day, Bader opted for chocolate and vanilla with pink and blue icing – Rita’s favorite colors.
The planning also meant collaborating with Rita’s daughter-in-law to gather treasured family photos, including pictures from her nursing career and military service caring for wounded veterans.
Rita spent her career caring for others in need, even contracting tuberculosis herself while serving patients. Four years after moving into the community, she remains just as active as ever.
She rarely misses walking club, loves bingo, pursues art projects, enjoys outdoor events and gardening, and is one of the first to arrive whenever there’s entertainment.
The planning also meant inviting relatives, many of whom traveled from out of state to celebrate together.
“I try to focus on the family,” Bader says. “When we work together I get access to little secrets that make the party a big success.”
The photos became a tribute table celebrating Rita’s remarkable life, while another table welcomed the dozen family members who came to honor her.
Residents from across the community joined in, along with staff and department directors, turning the afternoon into a true community celebration.
There was music, too.
Bader coordinated the entertainment with a local musician and asked him to tailor the performance for Rita’s birthday. Before long, children and grandchildren were dancing alongside the birthday girl herself.
Even at 100 years old, Rita was right in the middle of the fun.
The celebration wasn’t only meaningful for Rita. Her family told the team it was the best birthday she’d ever had.
For Bader, that’s the true measure of success. Her thoughtful approach recently earned her recognition as an Uncommon Hospitality winner, an honor awarded to team members who go to extra lengths to make residents feel seen, appreciated and valued.
Yet Bader believes the most meaningful celebrations begin long before the party itself, with conversations – listening to families, learning what matters most to the resident and bringing teams together to create a day that feels personal and memorable.
Those who know Rita are also familiar with a tradition that never fails to make people smile.
At every community event, Rita quietly slips a small keepsake into her pocket – a napkin, a paper cup or another tiny memento of the day. Back in her apartment, she labels each one and tucks it away, creating a collection of memories from a life rich with moments worth remembering.
Now, among them sits one more keepsake from her 100th birthday – perhaps the most special of all.