Mountainside Honors Ruth C. Leist's 100th Birthday Milestone
Maria Torres · Union County Life
Mountainside is celebrating one of its longest-serving residents. The Borough Council proclaimed October 3, 2026, as "Ruth C. Leist Day" — the date Ruth C. Leist turns 100 years old. Mayor Paul Mirabelli read the proclamation at the September 15 Borough Council meeting.
Leist's story spans a century of American life, much of it rooted in Mountainside.
Born and raised in Newark's Down Neck neighborhood, Leist came to Mountainside in 1956 when she and her husband built a home in the borough. After her husband passed away in 1970, she raised four children while working full time at Ciba-Geigy, the pharmaceutical and chemical company that had a significant presence in the region.
Through seven decades in Mountainside, Leist became part of the community's fabric. She has Irish heritage and remains a dedicated fan of the Boston Red Sox, bringing her enthusiasms and her resilience through life's chapters in the borough.
The proclamation, presented at the September 15 council meeting, recognizes Leist's milestone and her presence in Mountainside. Union County Life covers the full range of civic action across Mountainside and the other 20 Union County municipalities, and this tribute reflects the borough's commitment to honoring residents who have contributed to community life.
Leist's centennial represents not just a personal achievement but also a connection to Mountainside's mid-20th-century growth and the families who built lives here. Her story — from Down Neck to Mountainside homeowner, widow, working mother, long-time resident — is part of the borough's broader narrative.
October 3, 2026, marks the official celebration of Ruth C. Leist's 100 years.
FAQ
Who is Ruth C. Leist and why is Mountainside honoring her?
Ruth C. Leist is a longtime Mountainside resident who is turning 100 on October 3, 2026. The Borough Council proclaimed that date as "Ruth C. Leist Day" in recognition of her milestone and her 70 years of residence in the community.
How long has Ruth C. Leist lived in Mountainside?
Leist moved to Mountainside in 1956 when she and her husband built a home in the borough. She has lived here for 70 years.
What is Ruth C. Leist's background?
Leist grew up in Newark's Down Neck neighborhood. After moving to Mountainside in 1956, she raised four children and worked full time at Ciba-Geigy, a pharmaceutical and chemical company. She has Irish heritage.
What happened after her husband passed away?
After her husband died in 1970, Leist remained in Mountainside and continued raising her four children while working full time.
When will Ruth C. Leist's centennial be celebrated?
October 3, 2026, is Ruth C. Leist's 100th birthday. The Borough Council proclaimed that date as "Ruth C. Leist Day" to honor her milestone.
Who read the proclamation?
Mayor Paul Mirabelli read the proclamation at the September 15, 2026 Borough Council meeting.
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