A remarkable New Year’s Eve celebration unfolded in Frackville as Sylvia Yonalunás turned 100 years old on December 31, 2025. Born in Hawaii in 1925, Yonalunás has lived in Schuylkill County since she moved there at the age of 20. Her milestone birthday was marked by a series of celebrations attended by family and friends, reflecting her enduring connection to the community.
Yonalunás, who has spent her life as a nurse, volunteer, and matriarch, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love she received. “I never expected all of this, I’m grateful for it,” she said. In the days leading up to her birthday, her family organized a surprise party that brought together around 40 relatives from various states, including Georgia, Illinois, and Maryland.
Despite her advanced age, Yonalunás remains remarkably spry, managing her daily routine independently. She begins each day with coffee and enjoys reading the Republican Herald, alongside her favorite TV game shows and crossword puzzles. Her daughter, Carol Thomas, lives nearby, providing support and companionship.
Yonalunás attributes her longevity to her upbringing in a Portuguese family, which emphasized healthy eating and a positive outlook. Her parents immigrated to Hawaii from Portugal before her birth, working on a sugar plantation. Growing up as the youngest of six children, Yonalunás fondly remembers her life in Hawaii and the warmth of her new community when she moved to the mainland.
In 1967, she began an 18-year career as a nurse’s assistant at the former Ashland State General Hospital. After retiring, she devoted 30 years to volunteering with Schuylkill County’s Retired Senior Volunteer Program, where she assisted local agencies with various tasks, including food distribution and nursing home visits. Yonalunás takes pride in having helped others throughout her career, often stating, “If I’m going to get wrinkles from frowning, I may as well get wrinkles from smiling.”
Yonalunás’ family has expanded over the years, and she now celebrates being the matriarch of four generations, including five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. This birthday celebration was not only a family affair but also a community recognition of her contributions. Local senior citizen groups organized surprise parties for her, with friends from the Shenandoah Area Senior Citizens group presenting her with gifts and a themed birthday cake.
The celebrations included heartfelt gestures, such as government citations acknowledging her milestone birthday and community service. Family members were touched to see how many people valued Yonalunás, with her niece, Kathleen Irby, reflecting on the significance of the day: “I had no idea so many other people felt about her the way I do.”
Looking forward to the year ahead, Yonalunás plans to celebrate her special day with a quiet dinner, continuing a family tradition of enjoying lobster tails from The Dutch Kitchen. She also cherishes the annual custom of making pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day, a meal she believes brings good luck.
As Yonalunás embraces her 100th year, her focus remains on spending time with her family, sharing the joy and warmth that has surrounded her throughout her life.
