Plaza Taino’s Staff and Residents Celebrate Neighbor’s 107th Birthday

An HHDC resident, the very youthful and energetic Paquita Morales, turned 107 on June 6. Our team at Plaza Taino threw a birthday party the next day to celebrate with her family and friends. Paquita is called “La Rena de Plaza Taino” (the queen of Plaza Taino) by her neighbors. She was honored by Alderperson Jesse Fuentes and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Chief of Staff, Cristina Pacione Zayas. Both read proclamations in her name. 

Paquita is known for her high energy, bright blue eyes, and delightful laugh. The lively mother of four girls and one boy has 13 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren. She credits her long life to eating natural foods, saying daily Catholic prayers, and staying positive and active.

Chicago resident celebrates 107th birthday, shares secret to long, healthy life: 'She's a legend' 
Francisca “Paquita” Morales was born June 6, 1917 in Puerto Rico. She moved to Chicago in 1970, Chicago Sun-Times.