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More than 60 people gathered for Menlo Park resident Juanita Thomas’ 102nd birthday on Sept. 26 at the Sequoia YMCA in Redwood City. Thomas attends the senior fitness class there three times a week and has made many friends throughout the years. She invited all her friends and family to the YMCA to the party.
“Whatever you want to say to me, I want you to say it while I’m alive,” said Juanita Thomas as she entered the room.
Thomas was born in Luling, Texas in 1922 and has lived in Menlo Park since 1955. She is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. Her grandchildren say she’s independent, witty, kind and opinionated.
Thomas says her trick to staying healthy is to “eat good and have fun.”
The talk of the party? Thomas’ ability to drive at the age of 102. Friends and family shared the fun fact that Thomas had her drivers license extended for another four years but only recently decided she didn’t want to drive anymore — out of her own free will.
At her party, Thomas was joined by family, friends from church, her funeral ushers group and friends from the YMCA. San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe was in attendance to present Thomas with a Certificate of Recognition from U.S. Rep. Kevin Mullin.
San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe presents Juanita Thomas with a certificate of recognition on Sept. 26, 2024. Photo by Jennifer Yoshikoshi. 
Juanita Thomas with friends at her 102nd birthday party at the Sequoia YMCA on Sept. 26, 2024. Courtesy Andres Romero. 
Juanita Thomas greeted by friends at her 102nd birthday party at the Sequoia YMCA on Sept. 26, 2024. Courtesy Andres Romero. 
Juanita Thomas with her grandson Marquis at her 102nd birthday party at the Sequoia YMCA on Sept. 26, 2024. Courtesy Andres Romero.
Woodside resident Joan Upton organized the party. She has been putting together Thomas’ birthday parties for eight years. Upton first met her through Thomas’ daughter Janet, who she met at the YMCA.
Upton hosted her first party for Thomas on her 95th birthday at her home in Woodside. Upton said the number of attendees has grown so much over the years that their house became too small for the annual celebration.
“I am so blessed to have a grandmother that’s 102 and still has all of her faculties,” said Thomas’ granddaughter Lisa Thomas. “She’s hilarious. She’ll tell you what she wants and what she doesn’t want, and she doesn’t hold any bars.”
Her grandson Marquis Thomas said that Juanita will call every family member on their birthday and send them cards every year. “I don’t understand it, she’s a phenomenon,” he added.
Lisa believes that good genes run in the family and sees herself living a long life as well.
“I think she’s a cockroach. You can’t kill cockroaches, right?” joked Marquis.
Juanita is the longest-standing member of the senior fitness class. She started exercising at the YMCA when she was 78 and has been maintaining her physical fitness through cardio, weights and stretching.
“She’s an inspiration to everyone in her class,” said Andres Romero, executive director of the Sequoia YMCA. “Her presence brings great things to everyone.”
During the party, she made her rounds, greeting all her guests.
When Juanita was asked about how she felt celebrating her birthday, she said she’s “glad to celebrate every day.”
