The Rev. George Coyne greets Theresa McKinley during a 100th birthday party in her honor at Beacon House Senior Living in St. Clairsville on Saturday. McKinley is a lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church in Bridgeport. (Photo by Jennifer Compston-Strough)

It was the celebration of a century on Saturday at Beacon House Senior Living, where residents and friends gathered for Theresa McKinley’s 100th birthday party.

McKinley was born April 29, 1923, in Wheeling, the only child of Chuck and Helen McKinley. She was raised in Martins Ferry.

Retired Dr. Fausto Lazo served as McKinley’s physician for many years, and he also cared for her parents. He organized the birthday bash for his friend and talked about her life as the celebration unfolded.

“She was an only child,” Lazo said. “She cared for her parents. She never married. She overcame a lot of physical problems.”

The doctor noted that McKinley is a lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church in Bridgeport and was active with its Catholic Women’s Club. Among the party guests was her longtime priest, the Rev. George Coyne.

“I’ve known Theresa for a few years,” he quipped after greeting her.

Lazo said McKinley has been at Beacon House for about four years. Although she was hospitalized recently, he said she has recovered and returned to living life as usual.

“She made a lot of friends, she’s happy to be here,” Lazo said of the facility. “She’s back on her own assisted living.”

Helping to mark the special occasion were the Honky Tonk Sweethearts — Joylene Riggle, Alice Ann Rogers and Laurie Labishak — who sang country music hits to entertain the crowd.