Brooklyn Woman Celebrates Turning 103

BROOKLYN, NY — It's not every day that a person turns 103. But for one Brooklyn resident, that day was Thursday.

Jeanette Bigelson, 103, celebrated the big day at JASA's Luna Park Annex Older Adult Center in Coney Island with some of her closest friends and some local elected officials.

Since Bigelson was born in 1920, the JASA community decked out the center for a "Roaring Twenties" theme, highlighting key events from her birth year, as well as portraits of fellow celebrities born in 1920.

Fellow famous Brooklynites born in 1920 include actress Gene Tierney, who starred in the famous film noir "Laura," and Leona "The Queen of Mean" Helmsley, the hotel magnate convicted of tax fraud.

The party featured cake, live music, presents, piles of flower bouquets and, most importantly, a glowing smile from Bigelson.

And Bigelson's triumph received government endorsements, too.

After Bigelson blew out the candle on her cake (she was not subjected to 103 candles), and before the cheerful crowd sang happy birthday, she offered her appreciation for the festive day.

"I hope you all live long lives," Bigelson said, "because life is beautiful!"