Henrietta Gamba, one of the world's oldest living people, marked yet another amazing birthday last week, right here in Westbury. On Nov. 26, Gamba, who resides at the Regency Assisted Living Facility, on Brush Hollow Road, Westbury, turned 105!

The Regency hosted a colorful birthday celebration for the local wonder on Nov. 19, with family and friends joining in the festivities.

Gamba, one of a rare group of centenarians living in the world, displayed a youthful enthusiasm during the party. Asked what her secret for longevity is, she joked, "If I knew, I'd bottle it and sell it."

Known for her warm sense of humor, and her valuable words of wisdom, Gamba is a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Asked how she feels about turning 105, she responded, "It feels good. I wish I could live to 110," laughing, "Aren't I selfish?"

She continued, "I've seen hard times, and good times, but you take the good with the bad, the bad with the good. I've always had a nice family. That helps a lot."

Henrietta, known by friends and family as "Etta," was born in New Jersey on Nov. 26, 1896, to Lucian and Louise Famelart, a taxidermist and a housewife. She recalls being the first female driver in her hometown of West Hoboken.

Etta married Charles Gamba, a furniture maker, on April 26, 1919, and had a daughter, Julia, as well as five foster children. She now has three grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She was married for over 50 years to Charles, who is now deceased.

Friends and family gathered around Etta during the party last week, singing her songs, and showering her with gifts and affection. She laughed and clapped throughout the festivities. She beamed, as her granddaughter Wanda reminisced about good times shared. Wanda described Etta as a strong woman who has always been generous to those around her, especially during the Great Depression, when neighbors needed her most. "Whatever food she had, she always shared with families that were around her and needed it," Wanda said, adding, "She watched a lot of children in her days." She added, "I remember that Grandma was always cooking."

Wanda continued, "As children, she was always there to tell us that a woman could do anything, if you just try."

Etta was also described as having a love for animals and sewing. As a child, for example, she loved to play with her sister, Adeline, in their yard, with their horse and pet monkey, Mikey. After attending Public School #2 in New Jersey, she worked in an embroidery factory. Then as a housewife and mother, she enjoyed sewing and knitting winter clothes for her children and grandchildren.

As Etta blew out the candles on her birthday cake at the party last week, her fellow residents at the Regency, as well as Regency staff, friends and family, watched in awe.

All joined in wishing a very happy birthday to a very remarkable woman!