Woman, 100, Cites Faith, Clean Living

You might have trouble finding June Day at her apartment at the Ventura Estates Adventist Retirement Home on any given morning.

She won’t likely be resting in her neat-as-a-pin bedroom or sitting in the communal parlor. The frail but fiery widow--who celebrates her 100th birthday today--probably hitched a ride to a nearby community center to sort and box clothing donated for the needy.

Looking forward to beginning her second century, Day said a steely Christian faith and making time to help other people are what give her strength.

“I work for God,” Day said, standing at a table piled with secondhand apparel and folding a pair of black pants. “He is responsible for me being here.”

Day said she does not drink, smoke or gamble. Never has. She doesn’t watch television, because it is “too wicked.” Her diet is strictly vegetarian, and she admits to no vices.

The finishing school graduate does enjoy playfully flirting with the retirement home’s male social worker--telling him Tuesday that he was “the only pebble on the beach.”

A native of Cleveland, Day said she had always been a homemaker and considers herself a devout Seventh-Day Adventist.

This afternoon, Day will be honored at a luncheon organized by her doctors at an Italian restaurant. Her birthday cake, donated by the Gelson’s grocery chain, will be decorated with a full-length portrait of her made of icing. A local Partyland store is supplying a balloon bouquet. This will be her third party this week.

“We haven’t had a patient turn 100 and be in such good health,” said Elaine Capps, office manager for Westlake physicians Hector Caballero and James Modlinger. “June’s an inspiration. She makes our job easy.”

Day conquered three bouts of cancer, all in the past six years, and continues to live on her own. She resides in the independent living quarters at the retirement home, and requires no help with everyday tasks.

“She is full of life and energy, a fantastic lady,” said Elaine Arthur, director of Ventura Estates’ dietary department. “She worked hard to be 100. She pushes herself to eat to keep her weight up.”

Day has a curt response when asked what she believes is the most important lesson she has learned in life.

“I mind my own business,” Day said, as she anxiously returned to her volunteer work.