Willits’ supercentenarian Edie Ceccarelli will turn 115 on Feb. 5 with a “drive-by parade,” now world’s third oldest person

WILLITS, 1/24/23 — Willits’ own Edie Ceccarelli will be turning 115 on Sunday, February 5, and in what has become a town tradition, her birthday will be celebrated with a “drive-by parade” beginning at 1 p.m. Just last month, Ceccarelli once again made headlines by becoming the oldest person in the United States, and due to the recent passing of 118-year-old Lucile Randon of France, she is now the third oldest person in the world. 

Ceccerelli was born in Willits in 1908, one of seven children, and continues to live in the town amongst many relatives and residents whose lives have intersected with hers. Her longevity was recognized with a proclamation by the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors at this week’s meeting (see below), which noted she is “known for her love of dancing, walking, gardening and dedication to the community where she has been actively involved in fundraising, volunteering in the community and has always been ready to help a neighbor in need.”