Irene Bussiere often tells family members about things she may do when she gets old.

Bussiere’s family wonders when that will be, as the youthful Bedford resident celebrated her 100th birthday during a Saturday, June 21, gathering at the Bedford Town Hall.

About 85 friends and family members came to Bedford as Bussiere arrived at the party in a convertible. Her official birthday was Wednesday, June 25.

“It’s pretty amazing to see that she’ll make it, and it’s amazing to watch her be able to make that,” said Jeffrey Moreau, Bussiere’s grandson. “She doesn’t think she’s old. She’s a lot of fun to have around. She doesn’t act her age. She’s still willing to have youthful experiences and is enjoying life.”

Many guests made long trips to the celebration, coming from New Mexico, Alaska and Florida.

“I feel very happy about that because all of my family was there,” said Bussiere. “There were different ones who were there. It was just seeing all of my family and friends that was special.”

Living a full life is not uncommon for Bussiere’s family, as she has had brothers and sisters who lived to be 99, in addition to caring for her mother until the age of 99.

Bussiere is the first in her family to make it to the century mark.

“I have no secrets. I just worked hard all my life,” said Bussiere. “I am very happy about it, but I didn’t think I’d ever make it. You just keep going, that’s all. You take it one day at a time and keep moving.”

Moreau said the relationship he has with his grandmother is more than just a family one. “She’s my grandmother, but has also been my friend forever,” he said. “From the time I was old enough to get to her house, I would. That was where my wife and I went on our second date.”

Bussiere said the biggest memories of her 100 years have been when she was married her husband, Raymond, and when her three children were born. For most of her life, Bussiere lived in Hooksett. Her father owned the Belisly Granite Quarry that provided the majority of the granite for the curbing in Manchester.

In total, Bussiere has 11 grandchildren and 22 greatgrandchildren, and she recently attended high school graduations for two of her great-grandchildren.

After 100 years, Bussiere hopes to keep going.

“I think I had a pretty good life, and I was very happy with my life because everything seemed to go pretty good,” she said. “Just to keep going, that’s all. I have to keep going because it’s very important to be able to live this long. I’ve had a very healthy life.”