TACOMA, Wash. — Tina Gerlack has simple advice on how to live a long life: “Work hard, take care of your job, pay your bills, and be nice.”
The Tacoma woman celebrated her 106th birthday on Friday with family members and friends – and, of course, a birthday crown and feathery boa.
“You're a celebrity. People don't have 106th birthdays. But you do, so we're celebrating you, grandma,” said Trina Gerlack, Tina’s granddaughter at her birthday party on Friday.
Trina Gerlack calls her grandmother a "unicorn" because reaching 106 is quite the milestone.
"If you think about her age and my age she was born in 1918 and I was born in 1945," said Serona Schey, a neighbor of 47 years. "So, she remembers the horse and buggy age."
The group sang "Happy Birthday" and Tina Gerlack blew out her candles.
“I love to work. As old as I am, I still love to work, if I could get on my hands and knees,” Tina Gerlack said.
Her granddaughter said Tina Gerlack has always been busy and never one to sit still for long.
“She's just always been an excellent example for me just because she always has worked so hard,” Trina Gerlack said. “It's just amazing,”
When asked how someone could get to 106 years old, Tina Gerlack focused on kindness.
“Be nice. Because you can't take your money with you," she said. "Work hard, take care of your job, pay your bills, and be nice. Be nice, be nice, that's all it takes.”