Family and friends gathered at Fullerton Fire Hall Aug. 15 to celebrate Helen Sefcik’s 100th birthday.

During the celebration, Helen, a North Catasauqua native whose youthful appearance belies her age, gamely participated in magic tricks with local magician Tom Yurasits. After a meal that included barbecue sandwiches, filling and macaroni salad, guests gathered around the honoree to serenade her with the “Happy Birthday” song. Cake, coffee and homemade desserts completed the meal.

Helen, who currently resides at the Zephyr Apartments in Whitehall, was born at home in North Catasauqua Aug. 15, 1921. She was one of eight children of Michael and Mary Osinsky.

Of Helen’s seven siblings, only her 98-year-old brother Edward remains. Family members proudly remarked Edward, who traveled from his home in Chicago for his sister’s special day, still plays golf daily and only recently began using a golf cart to traverse the course.

As a child during the Great Depression years, Helen and her siblings were unable to go to the movies or take family vacations. Money was tight, and the family members appreciated simple pleasures like spending time together.

Helen attended school at the former North Catasauqua Elementary School and at Catasauqua High School when the school was located on Howertown Road.

Realizing Helen would require skills that would allow her to earn a wage, Mary Osinsky taught her daughter how to sew. Helen went on to work as a seamstress at Schneiderman Fashion Company in Allentown and, later, at Roman Sportswear in Northampton.

In January 1940, Helen married Michael Sefcik Sr. When the United States entered World War II, Michael served his country in the Army for two years, rising to the rank of corporal.

Michael Sefcik Sr. passed away in 1998.

Before 1971, the legal age of eligibility to vote was 21. Helen, then 23 years old, was eligible to vote in the 1944 presidential election between candidates Franklin D. Roosevelt and Thomas E. Dewey. As a self-proclaimed lifelong Democrat, she voted for FDR.

Later, Helen and her husband were blessed with two sons. Elder son and Vietnam veteran, Jerome, of Allentown, is retired from his career in the Army. Michael Jr., of Catasauqua, followed the lead of his father and brother, joining the Army during the Vietnam War and serving as specialist, fifth class. After the Army, Michael Jr. served as an officer in the Whitehall Police Department for 25 years.

Helen stays as active as she is able and enjoys visits and phone calls from her family and friends.