At Langhorne’s Oxford Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, two residents celebrated centenarian birthdays: Laura “Babe” Sidman and Dorothy Yelenchic, who turned 102 and 101, respectively.
Each celebration, which brought together generations of families, friends and facility staff, included the presentation of a Congressional Record and citation by a representative of Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick’s office.
“What an honor,” said Oxford’s Kelly Grimaldi, LNHA, MHA, administrator. “Our thanks to Congressman Fitzpatrick and his staff for making Babe and Dorothy a special part of the state’s history with these presentations.”
Sidman and Yelenchic are “regulars” at many of Oxford’s life enrichment activities and special events.
“Everyone knows Babe and Dorothy; the two always have a smile for others,” said Grimaldi.
Sidman, an avid Eagles and Phillies fan, lived in Trevose for 71 years, where she and her husband raised their three children. She now has three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Active in the Trevose community, she worked at the local hardware store and for six decades belonged to St. James Episcopal Church, where she was an esteemed member of both its Altar Guild and choir. Sidman’s fun-loving energy and interest in music continues, with her often participating in Oxford’s sing-along events and games like Name That Tune, among numerous others.
Born in Broughton, Yelenchic is one of five children. She and her husband Stephen, who worked at U.S. Steel, raised their three children in Levittown’s Blue Ridge neighborhood; she now has one grandchild and three great-grandchildren. The beloved homemaker is known for her cooking, in particular her delicious soups, and she worked for years at the local bakery and drugstore. Yelenchic often joins her fellow Oxford residents in Samba dance and exercise classes. She also enjoys therapy doll sessions and virtual reality programs, among other activities.
