If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to live a century with style, wit, and endless energy, look no further than Lenore DeLong Fiedorek. At 100 years young, she’s a master of blending adventure with everyday life—hosting family gatherings, keeping up with her grandchildren, and enjoying the sunshine on Davis Islands as if she’s half her age. A lover of art, music, and laughter, Lenore proves that age is just a number.

Her daughter-in-law Mary DeLong, son David DeLong, daughter Lisa DeLong, and son Doug DeLong couldn’t be prouder of Lenore. She has maintained her independence, kept her joy, and has an impeccable long-term memory. 

“We had a tight, happy household,” says Lisa. She adds, “Mom is the type of person who people like.” David adds, “She was always very dependable, too.” She is a lot of fun, has a quick wit, and a great sense of humor. Mary thoughtfully adds, “And she’s beautiful.” 

Lenore was born on August 23, 1925, in Mogadore, Ohio, at home, one of seven children. That year alone was remarkable in history: F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby captured the Jazz Age and American society, The Phantom of the Opera premiered as a silent film, and Edwin Hubble revealed galaxies beyond the Milky Way. Lenore arrived into a world full of innovation and cultural energy, which was a fitting backdrop for a life that would be equally remarkable.

Lenore’s early life was shaped by love and loss. Her mother passed away when Lenore was only seven, leaving her to grow up in a close-knit family guided by a strong and kind father. Her early life instilled in her a sense of independence, responsibility, and warmth that she would carry throughout her long and full life.

Lenore’s first marriage was to Navy officer Walter DeLong. They settled in Akron, Ohio, where Walter ran an automobile dealership. Although Walter passed away very young, that didn’t define Lenore. 

“Mom raised us by herself but was surrounded by lots of extended family,” says Lisa. David was 4 at the time. Lisa was 2 and Doug was 10 months old. 

Lenore’s family expanded in 1977 when she married Dr. Fred Fiedorek, who had three sons of his own – Fred Jr., Jim, and David (who is affectionately known by his adoring nieces as “Tio”). 

Lenore also had a solid work ethic. She worked for the Akron Art Museum for more than 35 years, developing a love of contemporary art that she would later share with her family. 

David, Lisa, and Doug reflect on Lenore’s character: “Mom is easygoing and open-minded, and she’s always been dependable. You could go to her with anything.” 

Lenore’s longevity has been supported by her active lifestyle and her social circle. In 2005, she moved to Tampa, Florida, to be closer to family on Davis Islands. She made that decision one frigid February morning in Ohio. She opened her front door and said, “What am I doing here?” So, she moved south and embraced life in the Sunshine State.

Since then, she’s enjoyed the sunshine, the water, and has thoroughly liked being an integral part of her grandchildren’s lives. She picked up her grandchildren from Gorrie Elementary, took them to swim team practice, and bonded with them. Now her children are returning the favor. Mary notes, “It takes a village to reach 100, and we are all here to support her.”

To her grandchildren she is “Maki,” a name that her granddaughters coined as babies and has stuck ever since. 

Her birthday celebration was nothing short of spectacular on August 23, 2025. The three-day event drew family and friends from all over. The festivities included dinners and concluded with a brunch at David and Mary’s home, also on Davis Islands. Music was performed by David, a professional musician, and Maddie, Lisa’s daughter, a rising star in musical theater. There was plenty of laughter and storytelling – even Dick Van Dyke, who also turned 100 this year, sent her a personal birthday card, a gesture that delighted the family.

Lenore’s personality has always been a blend of intelligence, humor, and grace. She frequently says, “People don’t hang around this long,” which makes her 100th birthday extra special in her eyes.

Throughout her life, she loved puzzles, parties, bargain shopping and collecting art.  Her appreciation for art, developed during her long career at the Akron Art Museum, has left a lasting impression on her family. “Being exposed to modern and contemporary art shaped us,” Lisa says. “We learned to see the world differently. It expanded our view, fostered a different way of looking at things and cultivated open-mindedness.”

Lenore loved to travel and was devoted to sharing as much of the world with her family as possible. The family often vacationed in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but Lenore also loaded everyone into an RV for adventures to West Virginia and to the Grand Canyon. One of their most unforgettable trips was when Lenore took her 3 young kids to Hawaii. Today, the tradition of traveling as a family continues –  especially on cruises, which they’ve found work wonderfully for multigenerational travelers. Among Lenore’s own most memorable journeys were an African safari with Fred and a month spent in France with Lisa when Maddie was just four years old.

At 100 years young, Lenore truly embodies resilience. Her life is a testament to strength, perseverance, and grace—embracing a century of change with courage, optimism, and an unshakable love for her family. Quick-witted and socially engaged, she recalls the finest details of her past, delights in stories and humor, and continues to share wisdom that enriches those around her.

Her journey has been marked by both challenges and triumphs—early loss, a career she loved, raising a family, and countless adventures. Through it all, her philosophy has remained simple yet profound: stay positive, stay active, and stay connected. As her daughter Lisa notes, Lenore’s easygoing nature has been the secret to her longevity—paired, of course, with a joyful heart that still shines as brightly today as ever.

As Lenore celebrates this remarkable milestone, her family honors not just the years she’s lived but the richness of her life. She reminds all of us to slow down, savor the present, and treasure the people and experiences that make life meaningful. And when asked about where she is today, Lenore puts it best:

“This is exactly where I’m supposed to be.”