A birthday party was held for Smallwood resident Eleanore Kessler at the Bethel Senior Citizens Center in Kauneonga Lake, on Friday, the day she turned 100 years young.

Complete with dinner from Kauneonga Lake restaurant Sorella’s, a personalized birthday cake made out to Kessler, and an abundance of friends and family, the party lit up the Senior Citizens Center with the accumulation of 100 years of love for Kessler and her family.

Before sitting down to eat, Kessler spent her time walking around greeting those who came to celebrate with her and giving out hugs. After the cake, she recalled her fantastic life over the past century.

Kessler was born and raised in Glendale, Queens, New York City. It was there she graduated from New Town High School in 1938, as well as met her one and only husband, Henry, who served in the United States Army.

After the couple retired in 1977, the two undertook an adventure leaving their childhood home and settling down in Smallwood. Over the course of living in the area, Kessler became the President of the Ladies Auxiliary for the Smallwood-Mongaup Valley Fire Department.

Since stepping down from the position, Kessler still remains an active part of her community. On Monday’s, one of her favorite pastimes is to call Bingo at the Senior Center, as well as dining out at restaurants and being around those who care about her.

According to Kessler, the secret to a long and happy life is having her best friends by her side.

“She is our hero,” Kessler’s granddaughter Ally Wunder Stahl said as friends and family enjoyed the party.