Happy 65th Birthday Catherine D’Onofrio!
Family, friends join Catherine for a birthday party
Catherine D’Onofrio, who resides at Helen Kaplan Center, was smiling all morning long, seemingly knowing that a surprise was awaiting her later in the day.
She was correct. Later that day, Catherine traveled from Plainview to the Brookville Mansion for her 65th birthday party, complete with purple and pink balloons, music from DJ Jumpin’ Johnny G, a catered dinner from Wheatley Farms, and a full guest list that included beloved friends and staff.
What brought the biggest smile to Catherine’s face was seeing her brother Vincent and sister-in-law Sally who traveled all the way from North Carolina to be there for her special day.
“My favorite thing is seeing her happy and well cared for,” said Vincent said, adding that their late mother would be very happy to see everyone gathered for a birthday party.
In Catherine’s 65 years, she’s experienced a wide array of service settings, including the Little Flower Family Services of New York and the now disgraced Willowbrook State School.
Catherine has not been residing at Helen Kaplan Center for long, but she’s made her mark.
Staff and her fellow residents know Catherine to be very sweet but very determined as well.
“They love her,” Vincent said. “They say she’s very sweet. As a D’Onofrio, I know she can be moody too.”
Despite living out of state, Vincent and Sally make it a point to travel to New York to visit Catherine.
“Helen Kaplan Center is such a great place,” Vincent said. “The staff are so good. I can’t imagine anywhere else you’d want to go.”
A testament to the staff’s dedication was ensuring that no stone was left unturned in planning this birthday party, from arranging a menu that would satisfy everyone’s taste and diets to ensuring that everyone was looking their best.
“Everyone looked like they were going to a gala,” said Marta Garavito, the Director of Helen Kaplan Center. “Everyone got so dressed up, and everyone looked so handsome and beautiful. I’m so proud.”
Happy birthday Catherine!