Marie Smith, a resident at Heritage Traditions, 19303 N. New Tradition Road, turns 100 Sept. 13 and has recently published her memoirs, "The First Hundred Years: Marie Smith," available at Amazon.com.

Ms. Smith, who tested positive for COVID 19 but was asymptomatic, then tested negative, also survived a recent bout with pneumonia. She had a hip replacement at age 95 and attributes her longevity to nutrition, a loving family and her daughter, Stacie Smith, a nurse with Fresenius Arizona.

Ms. Smith, born in Nashville, grew up during the “Roaring Twenties” and remembers jazz bands, racoon coats, prohibition and flying machines. Upon retirement, Ms. Smith and her husband moved to Sun City West, where she became a certified teacher and member of International Association of Duncan Certified Ceramic Teachers. She taught ceramics, porcelain and stoneware.

After the passing of her husband of 63 years, she moved to Glendale, to be near family and continued her pursuit of ceramics and painting.

She has also lived in Peoria, Goodyear and Surprise.

Ms. Smith is an avid Phoenix Suns fan; she never misses a game and keeps up with roster, the injured reserve, their individual stats, the trades, the coaches and their schedule. She also enjoys her four children, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Ms. Smith still paints and loves all the various art mediums, but especially working with oils and acrylics.