As the last notes of "Happy Birthday" rang out in the game room at Luther Crest July 21, 105-year-old Alice Klingensmith rose ever so slightly from her wheelchair and with a big smile spread across her face, blew a kiss to everyone in attendance.

It may have been a simple "Happy Birthday" song, but music has always captured Alice's heart.

Alice has been a resident at Luther Crest, a Diakon senior living community in South Whitehall, for 18 years.

Family and friends joined her in celebrating the second of two birthday events for residents who turned 105 at Luther Crest this month.

Jane Jones celebrated her birthday July 11 and was in attendance to pass on the proverbial birthday torch or, perhaps more appropriately, a candle to Alice.

Alice was born in Aspinwall, (part of the Pittsburgh Metro Area) July 20, 1909. She fell in love with music early on, and it influenced her for the rest of her life.

"I was interested in music most of my time, and Saturdays I used to go into downtown Pittsburgh to take organ lessons in one of the big churches," Alice said.

As she progressed with her organ skills, Alice began playing at her home church, Evangelical Lutheran. Eventually, she teamed up with her husband of more than 60 years, Hunter, and the two played music together in the choir.

"That was our life. He sang [tenor] and I played," she said.

The couple's only child, Sue Hagen, and two of her great-grandchildren, Jordan and McKenna Smith, accompanied the lady of the hour at the celebration.

During the festivities, Luther Crest Activities Director Jen Laury presented Alice with a certificate from the office of state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-134th.

Light music played throughout the event, which took place in a small, intimate setting. According to Laury, it was just the way Alice had wanted it.

When prompted by Laury to say a few words, Alice shied away from the microphone. Yet her heartfelt reaction to her fellow residents, friends and family serenading her with "Happy Birthday" spoke volumes.

She may have been reluctant to speak, but Alice let the music do all of the talking.

For the former organist, perhaps there was no better gift than a song meant just for her.

Music carried her through the years, and it was music that brought a smile to Alice's face for her 105th birthday celebration.