Photograph by Jeff Kearns
Sunnyvale resident Marceliana Dejea turns 100 on April 25. Dejea, a native of Guijo de Galisteo, Spain, moved to Sunnyvale in 1920 and worked in a cannery.
Resident celebrates 100 in style
Marceliana Dejea has lived in the city for more than 80 years
By Jana Seshadri
Sunnyvale had the opportunity to celebrate a rare event on April 11--the 100th birthday of Marceliana Dejea, a resident of the city since 1920.
"I'm in awe," said Sunnyvale Mayor Fred Fowler, who attended the celebration at the Sunnyvale Community Center. "She is the first centenarian I've ever met."
Dejea's life has been as eventful as the century in which she has lived most of her life. Born on April 25, 1902, in Guijo de Galisteo, Spain, Dejea immigrated to the United States with her grandparents, two aunts and an uncle in 1913. After working for three long years on pineapple and sugar cane plantations in Hawaii, Dejea and her family sailed on a ship to San Francisco and then took a train to New York. They eventually returned to Spain.
In 1920 Dejea headed once again to the United States, this time via Cuba. She and her family transferred to a ship for New Orleans and then boarded a train to Sunnyvale--which was to be her home for the next 82 years.
"She has never been a quitter," said Anne Silvera, Dejea's daughter.
Despite her many challenges, Dejea has insisted on living in her own home, located on Florence Street. Dejea suffers from failed eyesight and vision and is confined to a wheelchair, but her spirit and memory are as sharp and young as ever, Silvera said.
"She has so many handicaps but her mind is as sharp as can be," said Peter, Dejea's son. "That's the most important thing."
Dejea married her husband, Joe, in 1925 and they had three children. The family made its living by working hard on Northern California's farms and orchards--picking strawberries and peas and packing asparagus. Dejea worked in the fields and local canneries to help support her family, who died in 1990. Two of her children--Anne and Peter--have survived to see their mother turn 100. Dejea has three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
"There are very few people who have reached 100," Silvera said. "My mother was a good lady--and still is."
More than 150 Bayview Seniors Club members attended the birthday celebration for Dejea, who has been a member of the club for 30 years. Ralph Contioso, 82, a 20-year member of the club, organized the festivities.
"Ralph goes all-out and does a wonderful job celebrating the members," Silvera said.
Participants conveyed their greetings to Dejea by singing songs and presenting her with gifts. After the traditional "Happy Birthday" and "God Bless America," another member, Vicki Southwick, accompanied by the audience, sang a couple of Spanish songs. Dejea joined in loudly when they sang her favorite song--"Cielito Lindo."
Dejea's caregiver and companion, Antoinette Escobeda, played the guitar and sang a song for her, like she does at home every day.
"Marceliana likes to think of herself as a pioneer in the Spanish community in Sunnyvale," Contioso said.
Fowler said that whereas many have studied history, Dejea has actually lived it. He then awarded her with a mayoral proclamation from the city of Sunnyvale.
Health permitting, Dejea attends the Bayview Seniors club meetings every Thursday. Even though she cannot see anyone and her hearing is impaired, people come to her and greet her. Silvera said she has known some of these people for decades and that she instantly recognizes them when they touch her.
"Marceliana can see through touch," Contioso said.
John Lawrence, leisure services manager for Sunnyvale, wished Dejea a long life at the event and said he looks forward to her walking through the doors of the brand-new senior center, which should be ready in 12 months.
Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
