As the world prepared to welcome the new year, a remarkable milestone was celebrated in Frackville, Pennsylvania. On December 31, 2025, Sylvia Yonalunás marked her 100th birthday, a momentous occasion that brought together family and friends for a series of celebrations.
Born in Hawaii on December 31, 1925, Yonalunás moved to Schuylkill County in 1945 at the age of 20. Over the decades, she has established herself as a beloved member of the community, known for her dedication as a nurse, volunteer, and a maternal figure to many. The significance of this century mark was not lost on her family and friends, who sought to ensure that this milestone was one of her most memorable.
Reflecting on her life, Yonalunás remains spry and independent. Despite using a walker, she actively engages in her daily routine, which includes making coffee, reading the local newspaper, and enjoying TV game shows. Her daughter, Carol Thomas, lives nearby and provides companionship and support. Yonalunás credits her longevity to a healthy lifestyle shaped by her Portuguese heritage, as her parents immigrated to Hawaii from Portugal to work on a sugar plantation.
Yonalunás has witnessed significant changes throughout her century-long life, including her marriage to Charles Yonalunás in 1944. Following World War II, the couple settled in Gilberton, where they raised their two daughters, Carol and Charlene. Her easygoing attitude toward her relocation from Hawaii to Pennsylvania reflects her fondness for the community and its welcoming nature.
In 1967, Yonalunás embarked on an 18-year career as a nurse’s assistant at the former Ashland State General Hospital. Even after retirement, her commitment to helping others continued through the Schuylkill County Retired Senior Volunteer Program, where she dedicated 30 years to various community service initiatives.
Yonalunás is not only the matriarch of her family but also a cherished member of the broader community. She has five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, further strengthening her family ties across four generations. The past week leading up to her birthday was filled with celebrations, including a surprise party attended by over 40 family members who traveled from across the country, including Georgia and Illinois.
The festivities featured cherished Hawaiian treats, including macadamia nuts and red coconut balls, along with a signed baseball ticket from the Philadelphia Phillies, reflecting her passion for the team. In addition to family gatherings, local senior citizen groups hosted surprise parties, demonstrating the deep affection the community holds for Yonalunás.
As she prepares to enter her second century, Yonalunás has no immediate plans for additional parties, expressing her contentment with the recent celebrations. Instead, she looks forward to a quieter birthday, continuing a family tradition of enjoying lobster tails for dinner on this special day.
The Yonalunás family also partakes in traditional meals during the holiday season, including pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day, believed to bring good fortune. For Yonalunás, these moments spent with family are what truly matter as she embarks on her 100th year of life.
With heartfelt gratitude, she acknowledges the outpouring of love and recognition she has received, stating, “I never expected all of this, I’m grateful for it.” Her family echoes this sentiment, celebrating not just her longevity, but the impact she has made on their lives and the community, showcasing the lasting legacy of Sylvia Yonalunás.
