Celebrating a 102nd birthday is nothing to sleep through.

Unless you’re Helen Pace, that is.

The 102-year-old celebrated her birthday at Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation last Wednesday, and took her share of naps through the party. Surrounded by friends and caretakers, she woke up to snack and smile.

Being 102 isn’t exactly easy.

Pace was born April 16, 1912 in Naples, Italy, and still speaks Italian to her daughter, Shirley and the employees at the care center.

In fact, when riled up, Pace can still swear like a Neapolitan sailor.

Despite this, other residents — some young enough to be her children — dote on her.

Roger Fagen is one of these residents. He volunteers time with Pace and helps her do some of her daily tasks.

Even after 102 years, “Bella” still commands the respect her age confers. A plaque from the Department of Public Health and Human Services was one honor of living such a long life.

So nobody is going to tell her where and when she can sleep.