POST FALLS — Bea Degnan's birthday sash read "100 and fabulous" during her surprise birthday bash. Family, friends and an a cappella group serenaded her as she ushered in the milestone. 

Degnan said she still feels the same age as when she married her husband, Bud Degnan, all those years ago.  

“I don’t know how 100 feels," Degnan said, “I think it’s just a number.” 

Her late husband shared the same birthday and was born two years prior. Bea Degnan was born in Waterbury, Conn.  

Having a room at Garden Plaza filled with family and friends for her big day was her favorite part of the celebration. 

“She hasn’t seen some of those people for 40 years,” her daughter, Laura Whitehead, said. 

“Seeing all my friends and family, and especially my family coming from Connecticut, that was such a big thing,” Degnan said. “I come from a family of eight.” 

Degnan has lived in the area since 2014 when she moved here to be closer to her daughter. 

"She’s my right hand,” Degnan said of her daughter. 

When asked what’s most different from the 1920s versus the 2020s, Degnan said it’s the abundance of screens and the way children’s games have changed or faded away altogether. 

“I never see anybody playing jacks anymore,” Degnan said.    

Her advice is for however you find happiness, “Just enjoy life.” 

Degnan recalled a time when she surprised her husband by purchasing two cars for the family, a sports car and a wagon. 

Bud’s response was, “Well, whatever you want, honey,” which her children say is what he always told her. 

Degnan was a stay-at-home mom who eventually got into real estate. Her husband had wanted her to be a housewife, but she said she couldn’t stay away from getting out into the world and making sales, whether it was homes or appliances. 

Degnan shared stories of bringing her young son, Jackie, with her as she sold freezers.  

She was glad she had that one-on-one time with Jackie, she said, because he was born with heart issues and didn’t survive to graduate high school. 

“100 years goes fast,” Whitehead said, considering her mother’s legacy. 

Degnan said life is about taking in each experience as it comes and relishing in the little things like buttery foods, as well as friends. 

“Enjoy your mate, enjoy your life,” Degnan said. “Life is short.”

    The singing group Sapphire serenaded Bea Degnan as a surprise on her 100th birthday Wednesday at Garden Plaza. Glenda Kohoutek (baritone), Melodie Hays (bass), Debbie O’Brien (lead vocals) and Erin Mueller (tenor).