Pamela "Pansy" Stevenson -- who turned 100 on April 7 -- has weathered many storms through the years, her daughter said.
JERSEY CITY -- The secret to living to 100?
"Try to treat everybody the way you wish to be treated," recently-turned-centenarian Pamela "Pansy" Stevenson said last Saturday at a birthday party with her large Jersey City family.
"Help other people when they need it. Do good unto those who do evil unto you," the Queens, N.Y. resident added.
Susan Lee, Stevenson's 57-year-old daughter, said her mother -- who officially turned 100 on April 7 -- has weathered many storms through the years, calling her "a rock."
"She has experienced so much. She's experienced multiple close losses, some personal matters, and she has survived it all," Lee said, adding that she's lived through losing a husband, a daughter and a son.
Even after experiencing severe osteoporosis that left her in a wheelchair, Stevenson is able to carry out many of life's daily tasks, Lee said.
"She continues to cook, she continues to clean. She has all her faculties. And she's a survivor," she said. "She can still write a check too! Write a check and count her money."
Jesse Chapman, Stevenson's 76-year-old brother, said family members came from "far and near" to attend her birthday party, including locations such as Virginia and Atlanta, Ga.
But most of her family lives in Jersey City, Lee said.
Last Saturday, dozens of Stevenson's loved ones packed into a community room at a seniors' apartment building at 425 Ocean Ave. for her party. Four or five generations of the family attended.
Before a cake reading "Happy 100th Birthday to the World's Greatest Sister, Mother, and Aunt" was cut, Stevenson thanked God for helping her make it to 100. She also thanked her family for "a lovely party."
"I had a wonderful time, wonderful party. Thank you so much. I love my family. I love everybody here. Everybody's just been so beautiful to me, beautiful," she said.
Jonathan Lin may be reached at jlin@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @jlin_jj. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.