Here on Good Morning Northland, our viewers know and love the GMN Birthday Club—but today, we had the honor of celebrating a truly special milestone: Lila’s 102nd birthday.

Lila’s life has been rich with memories, especially those made with family in Missouri. “Next to Wisconsin, I’d have to choose Missouri,” Lila said when asked about her favorite state she’s lived in. “My sister’s daughters and granddaughters still live there.”

Many of those family members gathered to celebrate Lila’s 100th birthday, and the turnout was so large, they ran out of room! “Well, as a matter of fact, they filled up the parking lot and couldn’t admit any more people,” she recalled. “There were that many guests and friends from way back that were there to greet me. I was thrilled. Yeah. It was wonderful.”

But birthdays aside, Lila has spent much of her life working hard and serving others. She devoted more than 50 years to her career at Superior Memorial Hospital.

“I started as a telephone operator,” Lila explained. Eventually, she transitioned to the computer room—thanks to a little push from a doctor who suggested her pronunciations might need a bit of fine-tuning.

“They said, ‘We’ll put her in the computer room.’ And those were the days where the computers took up the whole room,” Lila laughed. “Can you imagine? You’d have to run around the whole room to get something off the computer. But I did—and I loved it. And I just advanced from that.”

Her hard work paid off. Lila even went on to become the highest-paid employee at the Superior Memorial Hospital.

When asked what advice she would give younger generations, Lila’s message was simple—and powerful.

“I think to try to be good to people. Be good to people—not just your mother or father—to all people. Be happy.”

She also took a moment to share one important and personal warning. “I love my brother. I know he loved me. He died of lung cancer. Smoking. Do not smoke. Throw away your cigarettes.”

And what’s the secret to feeling fabulous at 102? “I’m really happy when I get all gussied up—dressed up. So, I look smart!” Lila said with a grin.

From a small-town girl to a beloved community member and matriarch… Happy birthday, Lila—here’s to 102 incredible years… and counting!