Palos Heights’ Sleeping Beauty turns 100

With a gentle smile and a heart full of kindness, Lorraine Murphy, affectionately known as “Sleeping Beauty,” celebrated her 100th birthday on Thursday, Oct. 23, surrounded by family, friends and caregivers at Palos Heights Senior Living, A Spectrum Retirement Community.

Born in Blue Island in 1925, Lorraine spent most of her life in Palos Heights before moving into the senior community’s Memory Care neighborhood in February 2022. Though the years have brought their share of challenges, her spirit remains as warm and generous as ever.

“Lorraine is kind and cute,” said Pauline McGrath, executive director of Palos Heights Senior Living. “She’s always helping around the community, folding clothes, sweeping floors and keeping things tidy even though she doesn’t have to. She never complains and she’s never unhappy. She truly brings joy to everyone here.”

Before her retirement, Lorraine worked as a secretary at Hartford Insurance, a job that reflected her attention to detail and dedication. Outside of work, she found happiness in the simple pleasures of life such as watching birds, spending time with her daughter Kathy and doting on her beloved dog, Louie.

Lorraine also had two sons, Pat and Mike, who have passed away, but their memories live on in her heart and through her family’s stories.

Those who know Lorraine say her sweet personality and gentle spirit are her defining traits. Though she can no longer answer questions about the secret to her longevity, McGrath believes Lorraine’s outlook says it all.

“If she could tell us her secret,” McGrath said, “it would be something like, ‘Be kind to others.’ Because that’s exactly who she is.”

Palos Heights Senior Living, located at 7100 W. College Drive, offers independent living, assisted living and memory care in a warm, community-focused environment. The Spectrum Retirement Community is known for its compassionate staff and vibrant activities that promote connection and well-being among residents.

As Lorraine reaches this remarkable milestone, staff and residents at Palos Heights Senior Living are taking time to honor her century of life, one marked by kindness, quiet strength and a touch of humor that continues to light up the halls.

“She loves to nap,” McGrath added with a laugh. “That’s why we call her Sleeping Beauty.”

For those who know her, Lorraine’s 100th birthday is more than a celebration of years lived. It is a tribute to love, gentleness and the beauty of a life well-lived at Palos Heights Senior Living.