Photograph by Kathy De La Torre
Presents Accounted For: Beth Rondone opens her gifts at a surprise party that her co-workers threw for her on her 90th birthday.
She's a jolly good fellow
By Michele Leung
Glenite Beth Rondone turned 90 on May 27, and her friends at the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop made sure she felt appreciated. With a toast of champagne, cake and balloons, the volunteers at the secondhand store crowned her the First Lady of the Discovery Shop.
Rondone volunteers regularly at the Discovery Shop, a stint she has performed for more than 20 years. She holds her ground on the selling floor and is mistress of the cash register. Rondone doesn't do aerobics or play tennis anymore, but she insists on working a full day. "I worry too much for her, but we like her a lot," said Lucy Derkach, manager at the Discovery Shop.
Don't think that her age has slowed Rondone down; she's a mover and a shaker. "She's an example to my generation," said Shirley Keller, also a volunteer for more than 20 years. "I'm in my 50s and I look forward to what she is."
The American Cancer Society Discovery Shop is on Foxworthy Avenue at Cherry Avenue, and can be reached at 408.265.5535.
Willow Glen, California Since 1992
