LAWRENCE — There are many things Clara Russo can't see well at her age, but her name is not one of them.
When neighbors invited her to a birthday party that was supposedly for someone else, she glanced at the cake and immediately said, "That's my name. Oh my God. I can't believe it. Is it really for me? No one has done this for me before."
Residents of the tightly knit Orchard Street neighborhood threw a surprise party yesterday for their oldest resident, who turned 91 on Aug. 2.
Russo, who has lived on the street for most of her life, wiped away tears as children and adults hugged her.
Dewin Hernandez, a student at Berklee College of Music, sang to her while holding her hands.
The crowd sang "Happy Birthday" and she responded by throwing kisses.
"My God, Lu. I'm speechless," she told Luz Santana, who planned the event. "You are the best neighbors. It's so nice to know you all."
Santana found out Russo had spent her birthday alone when the two went to the Feast of Three Saints over Labor Day weekend.
"Clara is a sweetheart and she has lived alone for years," Santana said. "I thought it would be nice to celebrate her birthday. It's something she deserves."
In addition to the party, neighbors planted tulips and daffodils that she can enjoy next spring.
"She has a very independent spirit, and that's what keeps her strong," Santana said.
Russo has not lost her whimsical ways or her sense of humor.
Neighbors nestled behind her as Russo took one breath and blew out the single candle on the cake.
"Oh, this is good. Now I have to lick the frosting," she said as she took some frosting off.
Russo said she has mixed feelings about turning 91, because of all her aches and pains.
"It's God's will. He wants me to stay here," she said. "I'm happy. I hope I'll hit 95 like my mother."
Susan Fernandez fondly members when Russo baked chocolate chip cookies and distributed them to the neighbors.
"She is very nice and friendly," Fernandez said. "A lot of people have come and gone, but she's still here."
Russo was born Aug. 2, 1817, one of five children. She lived on Myrtle Street until moving to Orchard Street 68 years ago.
She attended the Leonard School when it was first built, as well as the Oliver School. As many women of the time, she did not attend high school, instead working at the Wood Mill. She was a dressmaker and seamstress at A.B. Sutherland, Rose Frank, and Grieco Brothers.
As Hispanics began moving into the once all-Italian neighborhood, Russo said she saw no need to move.
"I love them all," she said. "It doesn't make you who you are, as long as you're a human being."
The neighbors love her in return. They clean up her yard and visit her to make sure she is OK.
"I'm glad we made her day. She feels so happy," said Valentina Mora, who moved to Orchard Street just 17 days ago.
Leslie Castro moved from Orchard Street three years ago, but returned for yesterday's party. He manned the grill while others cooked rice, made the salad and set up the table.
"I had to come because of the friendship we developed," Castro said. "I don't want her to feel alone."
