A parade was held on July 6 in Cochranville to celebrate the 100th birthday of Ruth Codichini, who was born on July 6, 1921. The drive-by birthday parade was hosted by Ruth's daughter, Marcia Dickerson, and her granddaughter, Celeste Dellatorre.

Raised in Altoona, Ruth spent most of her life living in Kennett Square with her late husband, Jack Anderson. The couple had two children, Marcia and Tommy. Ruth later married Joe Codichini, who is also deceased. Ruth now lives with Marcia and her son-in-law, Bernie Dickerson.

"The event really turned out great," said Celeste, noting there were approximately 40 cars in the the parade. "We even had the West Fallowfield Police in a police car and the Cochranville Fire Company in a fire truck join the parade."

Also attending the event were congregation members from Willowdale Chapel in Kennett Square. Ruth joined Willowdale Chapel in the late 1940s and ministered to countless women and families for more than 60 years.

She was known as the church's "prayer warrior," particularly for children and students. According to the Willowdale Chapel newsletter, although Ruth has not been able to attend in-person services because of the pandemic, "we know she is with us in spirit."

Celeste asked her grandmother what the secret is to her longevity. "Gram attributes her strong faith in God, as well as her healthy lifestyle, to living such a long life," Celeste related.