Sun City West Assisted Living will soon celebrate not one, but two residents reaching 101 years of age.

The community will honor these milestone birthdays for Lillian Brunner, on Monday, Oct. 14, and Chauncey Giles, on Thursday, Oct. 31, with a party Oct. 30 featuring lunch, cake and live entertainment.

Born in 1923, Brunner’s journey has been one of strength and resilience since the beginning. After losing her mother at just 13, she stepped up to care for her younger siblings, putting her own education on hold. But her determination never wavered. During World War II, Brunner met her husband James while working at Sears, and they spent over 60 years together, raising two children and now enjoying life as a proud grandmother of four and great-grandmother of six.

Reflecting on her life, Brunner says, “I’ve always been healthy, and I still have my mind about me. God has been good to me.”

Giles, also born in 1923, has led a life rich with experiences and connections. After marrying his late wife Helen, with whom he shared 68 years of wedded bliss, and raising two children, he enjoyed a successful career in the retail dairy business.

Even at 101, Giles is full of life. He loves staying active with hobbies like golf, square dancing and playing bridge. When asked about his secret to longevity, he chuckles and says, “Clean living and physical activity.” Giles is also a fan of modern technology, calling the telephone and television some of the best inventions of his time.

“Celebrating the lives of our residents is at the heart of what we do here at Sun City West,” says Carrie Kaye, Life Enrichment Director of Sun City West Assisted Living. “Lillian and Chauncey exemplify what it means to live a full, meaningful life, and we’re thrilled to celebrate their incredible milestones with their families and the community.”