On Sunday, Feb. 21, long-time La Mesa resident Wilberta Angell celebrated her 100th birthday at the Arbor Hills Nursing Center.

Angell was joined by family, friends and members of the Lighthouse Baptist Church where she was a Sunday school teacher for many years.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Angell moved to La Mesa in 1940. She was married to Ted Angell who worked as professional magician and who, in his later years, would perform his magic act for hospitals, children’s homes and churches. He passed away in 1983.

In addition to teaching Sunday school, Angell also ran a day care out of her home in La Mesa. Giving back to her community has always been and is still important to the 100 year old, even though age has slowed her down a bit.

“I just wish I could do more –– stand and walk like I used to. Maybe someday I will again,” she told the group gathered for her party. “Oh well, I guess I’ll just be satisfied the way I am now.”