Longtime former Escalon resident Minnie Laugero, now living at Dale Commons in Modesto, turned 100 on Monday, April 4, 2016. She celebrated her birthday at the home of her son and daughter-in-law in Modesto. On hand for the celebration were Minnie’s children and spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, longtime friends and former co-workers. Along with family in Escalon, she has cousins in Oakdale and many past co-workers in the Riverbank area, and friends in all three communities.

Born in Santa Cruz on April 4, 1916, Minnie lived in a little home with her parents, Angelo and Margherita Franceschetti; her uncle and aunt, Rafaele and Antonina Franceschetti; and her cousins, Emanuel Franceschetti and Natalie Franceschetti Moreno.

When Minnie was just 2 years old, the family moved to Escalon. At the age of six she entered Escalon Elementary School and graduated in 1930. Minnie entered Escalon High School in 1930 and graduated “With Honors” in 1934. Her “Commencement Memories” book from her senior year in high school included her comments about her hopes and plans for the future to which she wrote as follows: “Always do a little more than my duty and my hope is for a good job.”

It was during Minnie’s senior year in high school that she met Fred Laugero. Minnie and Fred were married Nov. 24, 1934. They had three children, Shirley, Stan and Doug.

In 1945 Minnie found that “good job” when she was hired by Escalon Packers. She worked for Escalon Packers and Escalon Premier Brands (Heinz) for 65 years, retiring in 2010 at the age of 94.

Among Minnie’s community honors was her selection as Grand Marshal of the Escalon Park Fete Parade in 2001. She currently lives at Dale Commons and continues to do very well.