Centenarian Celebrated 100th Birthday With Bowling Match
Lakeland resident Lorraine Peaslee marked her milestone 100th birthday with a friendly game at Maple Lanes.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Awards
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Lorraine Peaslee celebrated her 100th birthday on October 13, 2026, by heading to the lanes for a bowling match. She was joined at Maple Lanes in Lakeland by 102-year-old Frank Ilarde.
Why it matters
The event highlighted the active lifestyles of local seniors who maintain physical hobbies well into their later years. The match provided a platform to honor Peaslee, a former Air Force flight nurse, on her centennial milestone.
Lorraine Peaslee reached the age of 100, while her bowling companion Frank Ilarde is 102 years old. Ilarde maintains a regular schedule of bowling twice a week in Pinellas County.
The players
Lorraine Peaslee
She is a 100-year-old Lakeland resident who served as an Air Force flight nurse during the Korean War.
Frank Ilarde
He is a 102-year-old active bowler who resides in the region.
The details
Peaslee, who previously served as an Air Force flight nurse during the Korean War, visited Maple Lanes in Lakeland to celebrate her birthday. Her match included Ilarde, who has been an avid bowler since the 1980s.
Timeline
Frank Ilarde started bowling in the 1980s.
Frank Ilarde celebrated his 102nd birthday during the week of October 5, 2026.
Lorraine Peaslee celebrated her 100th birthday on October 13, 2026.
Culture Shift
The gathering aligns with the Active Aging Network's senior wellness initiatives, which emphasize the benefits of low-impact physical activity for longevity. This reflects a broader societal move away from sedentary retirement toward active participation in hobbies.
The continued activity of residents like Peaslee and Ilarde encourages locals to pursue sustained physical exercise. Regular bowling remains a accessible low-impact option for residents seeking social and physical routines.
The takeaway
Maintaining regular physical activity can be a key component of a healthy lifestyle throughout every stage of life. Finding social hobbies like bowling offers both a physical outlet and an opportunity to build community connections.
Further reading
For more on community milestones, visit Awards.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
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