With a smile on her face and a song in her heart, the joys of the world have brought one local resident over a century of unique experiences.

Joined by Paulette and Jerry Bray, resident Dorothy Bundza celebrated her 102nd birthday and thought back to the different moments in life that led her to this day.

“I do anything creative. I do things with my hands. Pottery, paintings … anything really. I was able to sell a lot of my paintings over the years,” said Bundza, motioning to her paintings decked on the walls throughout her living room.

It has been an expansive life that’s led her all throughout the East Coast from dancing classes to musical performances.

“I’ve sang across the coast,” Bundza recalled. “From classical musical music to opera. I was able to hold classes in New England and while I was in North Carolina, I was voted artist of the year, 10 years ago I believe. I enjoy staying active.”

Bundza credited a healthy lifestyle for her fruitful life, and stated she was proud of her belief system, which includes looking at natural healing and exercise, including yoga. Bundza shared that her great grandfather was the head of an Indian tribe while his son served on the railroad as an engineer.

“It really has been an interesting life,” she said with a chuckle. “If there was a job I wanted to do, I would do it. I wouldn’t let anyone keep me down because I’m a woman. I’ve read thousands of books to learn different things, including natural healing. I’ve held different jobs … I wanted to make an impact with my life.”

And that was the case for the Brays, who talked about Bundza’s views on life and the joys she brings to their day-to-day activities.

But moving forward, Dorothy has nothing but fond memories of her life.

“Half the people I helped didn’t even know it was me,” she said. “Whether it was money or influence. I never really let it take over. But I’ve lived an interesting life, let’s put it that way.”