In a heartwarming celebration, Lucille Descalzi marked her 100^th birthday today surrounded by family and friends in Mt. Lebanon, the community she has called home for more than 50 years.

The party room at Concordia South Hills, where Lucille now lives, was packed with people who were there to celebrate with her. She received 100 cards from fellow residents, cake, flowers and even champagne for the occasion. Bob Pompeani, Lucille’s favorite KDKA-TV anchor (she watches nightly!), surprised her with a visit. When Pompeani asked her if the Steelers will win this Sunday, she responded with an emphatic “Yes!”

Lucille was born and raised in Pittsburgh, living in Mt. Lebanon for most of her life. She and her husband, Louis, called 131 Rae Avenue home for many years. Louis owned the now-closed Descalzi Produce in the Strip District, 1901 Penn Avenue. Lucille devoted herself to being a dedicated stay-at-home mom and together, the couple raised four children.

“She was an all-around-good mom,” said Linda Wilds, one of Lucille’s children, who was thrilled to be celebrating her mother’s milestone birthday.

“Growing up, we never saw her with pajamas on,” Linda said. “She was always the first one up in the morning, fully dressed, making our lunches and getting us ready for school.”

When asked what her secret is for living a long life, Lucille wasn’t sure she had one to share. That’s when the whole room chimed in, saying that she’s lived so long because of good karma, as she was always known to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

Throughout the years, she always showed up for the people she loved. Lucille was present for each of her kids’ activities and extra-curriculars. She particularly enjoyed cheering on her granddaughter, Cheryl, at every soccer game she played. Outside of her family commitments, Lucille found time to give back to her community as a volunteer for the Mt. Lebanon Trading Post for 50 years.

When asked how she felt about turning 100, Lucille expressed disbelief, saying, “I can’t believe this is happening.” Reflecting on the community she’s called home for most of her life, she said “Mt. Lebanon is my place.”