Music and memories as West Seattleite Rosa Facciuto celebrates 107th birthday, with advice for what not to do if you want longevity too

Story and photos by Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

The lunch room at Brookdale West Seattle was alive with celebration today, as neighbors and friends alike gathered to celebrate resident Rosa Facciuto’s 107th birthday. Partygoers enjoyed lunch and sang along to “Moonglow,” “Sweet Caroline,” and a favorite of Rosa’s, “Hey Good Lookin’” by Hank Williams.

Rosa was born on July 7th, 1918, in Seattle. In her life, she’s seen two world wars, the space race, the civil-rights movement, as well as the rise of the telephone, and later the internet. Today was more than just a birthday celebration; it was a chance to reflect and appreciate the life she’s had so far, including jobs as an Alaska Airlines flight attendant and Seattle Police secretary.

“I’m on top of the world,” Rosa remarked while opening one of the many cards stacked in front of her. The party was in high spirits, and the community showed up with an outpouring of appreciation and support. Many of her friends took the time to write down comments, which were read at the party. “She’s an inspiration to all of us,” one friend wrote. “She is beautiful and intelligent,” snother friend wrote – “But she doesn’t have good eyesight.” Rosa interjected.

“Don’t sit at home and mope, get out and keep active. If you don’t have a job, volunteer.” Facciuto said, when asked if she had any advice for the younger generations. “Don’t abuse yourself either, you’ve got to take care of your body. And choose your friends well. You’ll be all right if you run around with the right people.”

Performing the music today was local musician and community member C.C. Engel. She’s played piano and sang at Rosa’s last three birthday celebrations, and says she’ll keep performing at them for as long as she can. Previously, Engel has worked across Seattle, from New Luck Toy to the Chelan Café. “As long as she’s here, I’ll be here,” Engel promised.

These days, Rosa keeps active as a member of Brookdale’s poetry club and goes to bingo three nights a week. She says she’s grateful for the people she has around her today. “I love everybody here, and I’ll never ever regret that I’ve been here this long.”

Ihhh July 7, 2025 (9:52 pm)

Congratulations, Rosa! Loved your advice!

N Flicker July 7, 2025 (9:57 pm)

This is so cute, happy birthday Rosa!

1994 July 7, 2025 (10:01 pm)

Congrats to Rosa, wishing you another wonderful year and see you next year at 108!! Rosa’s advice is timeless on how to live a healthy life. Nice write up and photos by Hayden.

Gratitude July 8, 2025 (8:20 am)

💙thank you for sharing such a touching & inspiring story🩵💜Rosa, may your activities, friends, and your love of life keep you going for uncountable moons to come❣️

Gillian Muessig July 8, 2025 (1:42 pm)

Happy Birthday to my friend, Rosa! Here’s to another year of dining out, partying at my place and enjoying good company. – Much love from all the Fishkins

pjk July 8, 2025 (3:26 pm)

So good to see CC playing again – I haven’t seen her since the Chelan.

107&LuvinIt July 8, 2025 (8:27 pm)

They also covered Rosa’s 107th on KIRO 7 News and from the interview with her, she seems incredibly sharp and with it. Sometimes when they feature these 100+ birthdays, the people are sorta out of it but not Rosa. It was very impressive and you could tell the anchors were touched too.

monica July 21, 2025 (9:00 am)

You are absolutely beautiful and inspirational! I am exactly half your age and enjoyed your words of wisdom so much. My grandmother is 104 and she lives alone in a large home out in the “country” in Middle-Tennessee. She uses a walker, but other than that, you would never know that she was a day over 55. Just like you. Just like me. At some point, we are all the “same” age — or at least we are at an age where we can discuss the world with one another on the same level. I lost my mom in 2015 and my sister in February. Both were too young. 69 and 57. My father passed in 2021. he was 74. These days, I call my grandmother every week — sometimes more. I’ve gone 54 years without really knowing her until now. I have learned so much from that gracious, righteous, gorgeous lady. I can’t wait to tell her about you and your article. I want her to live to be 120. We’ll see. I figure, at some point, 15 more years on this planet is about all anyone could ask for. :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Wish your poetry was in the article. I would LOVE to read it. Maybe we can be in touch…once your hectic publicity schedule calms down a bit. Have fun. You’re incredible.

#inspired! July 21, 2025 (9:45 am)

Happy Birthday Rosa! Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom for a long, healthy and happy life. I hear you loud and clear: be good to yourself, do good for others, and surround yourself with a community of people who care about you! Here’s to several more happy days ahead. :)