On July 25, 1921, Vanda Nesti Bennett was born in Pistoia - a city in the region of Tuscany, Italy. When Vanda was 9 years old, she and her family left Italy and came to America. After docking in Ellis Island, they took a train to Pittsburgh, where Vanda's father worked in a steel mill. After marrying her husband, Van William Bennett, in 1948, Vanda gave birth to four children: Bill, Bob, Mary Jean, and Kathy. Although she spent most of her life in America, Vanda kept to her Italian roots. "She always made us homemade ravioli," said her son Bill. "She even sent me ravioli when I was stationed at a German air base for three years!"

For 20 years, Vanda ran her own drapery business. She said she takes pride in the fact that she never advertised her business; people saw her work and called in to place an order. In fact, her husband made curtain rods for the drapes, and after she would finish making a set, he would hang them for her. "My husband was the handiest man I ever knew," recalled Vanda.

Van William never finished high school, so it was very important to him that his children attended college. "All four of them went to college and they all got scholarships," shared Vanda. "I'm proud of my family."

Having just turned 100-years-old, Vanda says that her age has never held her back. "Her idea of relaxation is working all day, and she's only mad when she's bored," explained Bill. Vanda has volunteered throughout her entire life and recently sewed over 400 bibs for people in skilled care at the Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community (QPRC), where she is a residential living resident.

Holly Metzler, a receptionist at QPRC, noted that Vanda is an amazing woman. "She is a wonderful lady," stated Metzler. "At night, the lobby turns into a fun place where all the residents gather and have a laugh until about 9 p.m." Metzler explained that the residents gather because Vanda is there.

"I've had a pretty good life,"said Vanda.