One-hundred-year-old Frazelle Roberts was at a loss for words as she entered the Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center auditorium, which was decked out in pink, orange, and gold decorations. Passing under a colorful balloon arch, her family by her side, Roberts walked a red carpet that led to a table dedicated just to her.
“I’m so excited I can’t even talk,” said Roberts, who turned 100 earlier this month. “It’s truly a blessing. And to see all the people that care about older people.”
Roberts was one of five Boston residents honored in a centenarian ceremony hosted Thursday by the Central Boston Elder Society, a nonprofit organization that helps to provide short- and long-term care to seniors in their own homes.
The group has celebrated Boston’s 100-year-old residents for the past 12 years. While the ceremony used to be held at the State House, it was moved to the Roxbury center last year.
Along with Roberts, Sui Moy (Wong) Chin, Marie Oscar, Cui X He, and Mee Wan Chan were honored.
Roberts and Chan were the only two in attendance Thursday. They were honored with certificates, white cloth gloves, and tiaras.
Sylvia Exantus, chief executive of the Central Boston Elder Society, said the celebration is as much about the caregivers as honorees.
“The most exciting part [of the event] is being able to come together and gather the community,” Exantus said. “And so, just to honor longevity and honor community impact is something that is just priceless to be able to celebrate with the caregivers and supporters, family members, and all our staff, that work so hard to put services in place so that people can have long lives and live in their communities.”
The society aims to provide care and support so older residents can remain in their neighborhoods, she said.
“They don’t have to be displaced and be put in a home, but that they can have an opportunity to really shine. So that’s what makes this event so special,” Exantus said.
After a celebratory lunch, attendees sang “Happy Birthday” to the honorees, followed by the presentation of certificates.
Roberts and Chan were brought to the front of the room to receive their gloves and tiaras. They also received certificates signed by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Governor Maura Healey and one from the City Council signed by its president, Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune.
PJ McCann, deputy commissioner for policy and planning for the city, was the featured speaker. He saluted the long lives the honorees have led and their service to the community.
“That’s more than a century of friendships, family ties, of service and sacrifice. Each of you has seen defining moments in our history and helped shape the city that we know and love today,” McCann said.
Attendees, friends, and family members alike echoed that thought. Connections to family, friends, and community have helped the centenarians have long and fulfilling lives.
“She’s still so healthy and still very happy,” Lily Chen, who attended with her mother, Mee Wan.
Roberts said her family has played a crucial role in helping her live to be 100.
As a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and soon to be great-great grandmother, she says her family means everything to her.
“Oh I love them to death, I love them. They’ve been taking care of me,” she said.
Katarina Schmeiszer can be reached at katarina.schmeiszer@globe.com. Follow her on X at @katschmeiszer.
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