ELMHURST -- Newswatch 16 was invited to a pretty special birthday party Wednesday afternoon. It was a celebration of 104 years for a woman in Lackawanna County, who we learned very quickly, is a real sweet lady who has seen a lot in more than a century.
Lauretta Phillips is celebrating 104 years. This party was at St. Mary's Villa Residences, a personal care home.
Even at 104, Lauretta doesn't need a nursing home. She claims there's no secret.
"There isn't any," she said. "It just happens."
But her family did reveal one that we've heard from other centenarians.
"She likes to have a Budweiser beer every night," said her nephew.
Baseball was another lifelong interest and on the day before her birthday, she got a big role at the RailRiders game, throwing out the first pitch.
Lauretta's husband served on Scranton City Council. She had a job in the city tax office and worked many years at the Globe store.
Her nieces and nephews say she has always been sweet.
"She's been an inspiration to all of us," said niece Evie Rodgers.
The same is true for everyone at St Mary's Villa, too.
"She always puts a smile on all of our faces every day," said Tracy Mottola. "Her attitude to be 104 and still smile and do what she's doing it's pretty amazing."
"She never complains. She's always sweet as an angel, and I think that's an inspiration to the other residents here," added Jacob Schlittler.
Lauretta's gift on this 104th: dozens and dozens of cards, one of her favorite things to receive.
"It's going to take me a long time to read them all," she laughed.
