CENTRAL FALLS, RI — Stella Sweet was honored on the occasion of her 100th birthday with a noontime celebration at Wilfrid Manor senior housing in Central Falls.

The function room was filled with friends and family, including siblings, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and at least one great-great-grandchild.

Sweet said that her actual birthday is Monday, but that for a number of reasons, the party was scheduled for Friday. “I hope I make it,” she quipped.

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Stella Sweet, born in Central Falls in 1921 as the oldest of 10 siblings, was honored at a 100-year birthday party on Friday. (Patch)

Sweet, whose maiden name was Collette, was born at a family home on Shawmut Avenue in Central Falls as the oldest of 10 siblings. “We were all born at home,” she said. After the first five children were born, the family moved to Darlington. She attended St. Cecilia’s high school, but did not graduate. “I had nine brothers and sisters to take care of, and my mother worked,” she said.

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Nonetheless, she made her way as a hairdresser, seamstress, and a waitress at the VFW. “I’ve done it all,” she said. Sweet said she married twice, and both of her husbands were named “Ray.”

Stella Sweet’s great-great grandson Aaron Larivee, great-grandaughter-in-law Kerri Meehen, and great-granddaughter Brenna Meehan. (Patch)

She has lived at Wilfrid Manor for 37 years, making her the person with the longest tenancy at the senior housing facility.

“You missed the parade,” Wilfrid Manor resident Peter Lizotte told Patch. Lizotte, president of the building’s tenants association, said that police and fire personnel had staged a drive-by celebration earlier in the day, and that Mayor Maria Rivera stopped by to pay her respects.

Sweet posed for a photo with her sister Marge Pike, daughter Roz Forget, daughter Gloria LaBounty, sister Jean Plociak, and sister Connie Johnson. She was presented with a decorated cupcake as the festivities continued.

Asked for the secret to her health and longevity, she did not hesitate. “Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate,” she replied. “I love chocolate.”

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