Angela “Lil” Laperuta’s 100th birthday was more than a personal milestone — it was a celebration of a life woven into the heart of a community.
On Nov. 20, at 2:00 PM, she gathered with residents and staff at Barclay Friends in West Chester, where she was honored by Chief of Police Josh Lee and State Representative Chris Pielli. Lee presented her with a symbolic key to the borough, while Pielli offered a formal citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
“This is a momentous occasion, and we’re delighted to celebrate her legacy and this heartfelt recognition,” said Maria Santangelo, CEO of Barclay Friends. The ceremony was a heartfelt tribute to her long and vibrant life.
Laperuta — born Nov. 17, 1925, in Brooklyn — has always been known for her joyful energy, but especially when she danced. She once lit up dance contests and parties with her infectious spirit.
After years as a homemaker who opened her home to children, neighbors, and friends, she lent her creativity to a costume company. Then, she joined Barclay Friends, where she found more than a home but a community rooted in compassion, dignity, and belonging.
Her life remains a testament to resilience, generosity, and joy. Surrounded by four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and the warm embrace of Barclay Friends, Laperuta’s 100th birthday stood as a tribute not only to how long she’s lived but to the kindness, vitality, and spirit with which she lived it.
Learn more at Barclay Friends, and how the Senior Living in West Chester offers Personal Care, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, and Residential Living. Barclay Friends has been West Chester’s trusted senior living choice for over 130 years. As a not-for-profit organization rooted in Quaker Values, Barclay Friends strives to support older adults with compassion as they embrace the realities of aging.
