After getting to know San Mateo resident, officers attend centennial celebration

“She’s got a Life Alert, so she has hit the Life Alert button before, and the police department or fire department have come out thinking it’s an emergency. She doesn’t always realize she’s done it but, because of that, they’ve gotten to know her more and her story over time,” her nephew Brian Ferrie said.

About seven police officers, including Police Chief Ed Barberini, arrived to Ellebeall’s home on her birthday, Wednesday, Jan. 3, to wish her a happy birthday and congratulate her on the milestone.

“We’re glad we were able to come here and wish you a happy birthday,” police officer Jerami Surratt said to Litsis.

Litsis grew up on a farm in Iowa and moved to Montana where she met her husband. She eventually became a pilot and, during World War II, she flew planes throughout the country as part of what was known as the civilian air patrol.

“They would move planes around during the war to different bases. They didn’t allow female pilots to fight, but they allowed them to move the planes around, so that’s what she did,” Ferrie said. Another family member added she has said she took the job initially out of boredom and wanting to do something to help the war effort.

The couple eventually settled in San Mateo, and Litsis has lived in the same house for the past six decades. Ferrie said Litsis and her husband maintained an adventurous spirit throughout the years, traveling to multiple countries in every continent besides Antarctica. Most of her family currently lives outside of California, including Texas, but came to the West Coast to celebrate. Ferrie said they were particularly grateful for the visit from the San Mateo police officers as well, despite the fact the home looked like it was about to get raided with all of the officers stationed in front of the house.

“I told them when they showed up that I hoped they weren’t here to arrest my aunt on her 100th birthday,” he said.