Kids & Family

101-Year-Old Elmhurst Woman's Secret to Long Life: Going to the Casino

Clarice Colangelo celebrates her 101st birthday at Grand Victoria Casino with family and casino staff.


Clarice Colangelo, of Elmhurst, celebrated her 101st birthday with her family at the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin.

According to the Daily Herald, Clarice has goes to the Grand Vic at least twice a week, with her son, Larry, or daughter, Lenice.

Colangelo told the paper she usually plays video poker or the slots. The most she’s won in a day is $600.

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On Monday, staff at Grand Victoria and family members gathered to watch the centurion-plus-one blow out the candles on her birthday cake. She was also showered with gifts from the casino, including lunch for five and honorary Sterling Membership status, the Daily Herald said.

“Where else do you get this kind of excitement,” Clarice told the paper. “The grocery store?”

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