The large hall at Sacred Heart Senior Living by the Creek in Northampton was filled recently with people celebrating the 100th birthday of Rose Winch.

Among them were daughters Grace Nemetz and Linda Marcincin. Winch's husband, Harry, died 10 years ago, as did a son named Donald. Winch has four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, including a six-month-old baby, many of whom attended the birthday celebration.

Born Oct. 1, 1912, Winch has been a resident at the borough-based facility the past four years.

Marcincin told the party guests a loaf of bread cost 5 cents the year Winch was born. Also that year, the Girl Scouts of America was founded, mayonnaise was introduced and the Titantic sank on her maiden voyage.

At the party, Winch was surrounded by a variety of flowers, very apropos considering her first name and her love of flowers. Her passion for them garnered her countless blue ribbons at The Great Allentown Fair over the years.

Winch's 100th birthday was not only a cause for a local celebration, including a toast, cake and party with music, but also her birthday was recognized by President Barak Obama, who sent a special message. Citations also came from Congressman Charlie Dent. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives, state Sen. Lisa Boscola and the Pennsylvania Senate.

Winch took the celebration in stride, thankful that many members of her family were present, some traveling from as far away as Ohio.

Noting she enjoys good health, Winch said she has no special recipe for longevity, through she recommends a commitment to family and interests such as raising flowers.

Pictures at the birthday celebration showed off Winch's collection of Santa dolls.

Residents joined the celebration and sang along when the song "Sentimental Journey" was played.