Elgin

Suburban Woman Passes Away at 100, Credited Portillo's for Age

A woman in suburban Elgin died last week at the age of 100, crediting a surprising secret to her longevity.

Helen Diekman often joked that the secret to her long life was eating at Portillo’s. The Daily Herald reports that she visited the restaurant three times a week, and her order never changed. Every time, it was a hot dog with everything, fries, and a diet coke.

She even celebrated her last birthday in early November at Portillo’s, and was so devoted that she kept a photo of her and restaurant founder Dick Portillo at her bedside.

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