A very special occasion took place on Wednesday morning when Turlock resident Rebka Shrey celebrated her 100th birthday at Main West PostAcute Care with her family by her side. Shrey has lived in Turlock since 1972, where she worked two jobs to support her three children, who have now given her five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She credits her long life to a love of God and gambling, she said, and during her birthday party received a certificate of recognition from Mayor Amy Bublak.

“This is my happiest day,” Shrey said.

Shrey’s eldest daughter, Victoria Gitti, said her mother’s actual birthday is on March 29, and the family will likely celebrate by going to a restaurant in town.

“It’s a dream for me to have my mom for this long,” Gitti said.