Catherine F. Tapler, a resident of Sacred Heart Assisted Living by the Creek, celebrated her 100th birthday Oct. 12 with a little help from family and friends.

The festivities included food, flowers, cake and even live music in the dining room of the facility, located along Route 329, Northampton.

Though born in Buffalo, N.Y., Catherine spent the majority of her life in this area.

Before marriage, she worked in several family businesses and was instrumental in helping to care for her five siblings and their families after the death of her mother in 1943.

Her devotion to her family is clear.

“Kasha (her Polish name) never refused to help anyone in whatever way possible,” her daughter, Kathryn, said.

During World War II, Catherine went to work at Mack Trucks, building wheels for the war effort.

She married her husband, Louis J. Tapler, in 1944, and they raised their two children, Kathryn and Thomas, in Coplay.

“I was lucky. I had a boy and a girl,” Catherine said. “And I love them dearly.”

Like many women, Catherine took a hiatus from work to raise the kids, returning to work as a presser at Regal Sportswear, in Northampton, where she worked until she retired.

According to her family, Catherine is a humble, hardworking and loving individual whose deep faith has and will continue to see her through any adversity.