Mary Elizabeth Thiel celebrated her 100th birthday recently with her family.

Thiel was born Nov. 18, 1917 on Vine Street in Bethlehem to parents Thomas Eddinger and Irene Paul. She was the eldest of four, including siblings Doris, Sara and Alvin.

She graduated from Liberty HS and went on to St. Luke’s School of Nursing, where she graduated in 1941. She married Paul Thiel and together they had two children – Margaret “Peggy” and Thomas “Tommy.” As a family, they lived on Delaware Avenue, Fountain Hill, before moving to New York Avenue, Salisbury Township in 1954. Thomas was in the second graduating class of Salisbury HS, graduating in 1966.

As a nurse, Thiel worked in private duty at Grace Mansion, caring for Eugene Grace, president of Bethlehem Steel Corporation. Throughout her career, she worked at the Pennsylvania State Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, Bethlehem, and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network. After her retirement, she continued to volunteer at Holy Family Manor and Good Shepherd.

Thiel is a lifelong member of the Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, where she volunteered with the thrift shop for many years.

She has four grandchildren; Matthew Risser, Lauri Johnson, Emily and James Thiel and four great-grandchildren; Jami and Liese Johnson and Noah and Quinn Risser. Until recently, Thiel loved to read novels and biographies, make needlepoint crafts, knit and enjoy playing cards with friends and family.

She is a previous resident of DevonHouse Senior Living, Salisbury Township, and currently resides at Phoebe Home, Allentown.