Mary Stockmal has created a lifetime of memories.

She has lived through 17 American presidents; the Great Depression; the assassination of President John F. Kennedy; and a man walking on the moon for the first time.

On Tuesday, the Nesquehoning native was celebrated by friends, family and the Nesquehoning Borough as she became a centenarian.

Born on Jan. 30, 1924, Mary said she doesn’t have a secret to reaching this milestone, but credited her faith as a reason.

“It was through the grace of God and good genes,” she said with a smile.

She was one of eight children born to Michael and Mary Andreosky, and was raised in Nesquehoning. Her youngest brother turns 91 today.

Mary graduated from Nesquehoning High School in 1941. A few years later, she traveled to New Jersey, where she worked for an engineering company during World War II.

She also met and married her husband, Joseph, whom she spent 66 years of marriage until his passing in April 2010. The couple had one son, Joseph, who passed away in 2006.

She worked in various garment factories throughout her career and was a homemaker for her family.

Mary said that times have changed “drastically” in the town over the last 100 years.

Her family said that up until November, Mary lived in her home, but as steps became a little difficult, she decided to move into MapleShade Meadows in Nesquehoning.

In addition to family, Mary is also active in her faith and has a sense of humor that brings smiles to everyone she meets.

Nesquehoning Mayor Tom Kattner honored Mary with a resolution that was adopted by borough council.

He said that Mary didn’t just set a high bar, she broke through it by reaching her 100th birthday and named Jan. 30 as Mary Stockmal Day in the borough.

Kattner was joined by council members Lois Kuba and Paul Kattner, who also wished Mary a very Happy Birthday.