LIFE Armstrong County Celebrates Hannah Cloak’s 107th Birthday

For some, Feb. 19 may seem like any other day, but for Hannah Cloak and the entire community of Armstrong County, it is a special day. Two years ago, in honor of her 105th birthday, the Armstrong County Commissioners officially designated Feb. 19 as Hannah Cloak Day throughout the county.

Cloak celebrated her 107th Birthday with family, friends, and participants of LIFE Armstrong County. The staff of LIFE Armstrong County presented a cake while fellow participants sang happy birthday to Hannah. Her two children Dale Cloak, 84, and Sally Pennington, 77, joined their mother in the celebration.  Hannah has eight grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and four great, great grandchildren.

When asked what it’s like to have a mother who is 107 years old, her son, Dale responded: “It’s a blessing… She was always an active woman. She was very athletic, and golfed into her 90s.”

According to Pennington, Hannah regularly played golf at the Lenape Heights Golf Course, a place she and her husband frequented. Hannah was even one of the original members of the Lenape Heights women’s golfing league and competed in the Pennsylvania Senior Games.

Hannah, one of twelve children born to Arlie and Ella Yount, fondly recalls her early days riding in a horse-drawn buggy with her father. The family resided near the Buttermilk Falls area of Rayburn Township, Armstrong County.

She met her husband, Edgar Dale Cloak Sr. at a square dance. The couple married April 10, 1938. They raised three children (2 daughters and 1 son), and were married for 66 years. Her husband, Edgar passed away in 2004 at the age of 94.

Hanna attributes an “active lifestyle,” to her longevity.  “Staying active is my secret to a long life. Stay on the go!” she exclaimed.

“It is such a blessing to have Hannah as part of our program,” said Lesley McGregor, LIFE Armstrong Center Director.  “The goal of the program is to help people like Hanna remain in their home and in the community.”

Pennington feels blessed to have witnessed her mother live such a rich and fulfilling life, and still spends time with her at the Center.  As she explained, “It means everything to me to still have my mom.”

Living Independence For the Elderly (LIFE) is an all -inclusive program of medical and support services to help people maintain independence in the community.  Nationally known as the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), this model has proven success throughout the United States. LIFE Armstrong County is a partnership between Lutheran SeniorLife and the Armstrong Memorial Hospital.