Lena Hannon is a firecracker. She is also 101.

Hannon celebrated her 101st birthday Wednesday, blowing out the candles during a surprise party for her put on by the staff at the Regency Newcastle retirement home.

Along with her husband and stepchildren Lorraine Diaks and Jim Matthewson, Hannon was all smiles as her group of friends sang her happy birthday.

“She’s a little sweetie and sharp as a tack,” said Elene Bradford, a friend of Hannon’s and resident at Regency Newcastle. “We are always amazed because she’s such a little thing but she eats like a truck driver,” Bradford laughed.

Hannon was born in Bisbee, Ariz., in 1908 and has lived a very full life. She worked for a radio station for a while and later wrote a social column for a Renton newspaper.

“My mom is a ball of energy,” said Diaks about Hannon, who has been her stepmother since the age of 5. Her brother, Jim, agreed.

“Mom has always been right there for me,” he said. “She was always very involved in everything, from PTA to Boy Scouts. She hasn’t slowed down one bit.”

Hannon joked around with the staff during her surprise party, teasing them about getting her age wrong.

“Am I 101? Gosh, I don’t feel like it,” she said, seated at a table with friends.

When asked her secret to living past 100 years old, Hannon just smiled.

“I say be happy – because being happy, helps you grow,” she said.

Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425.453.4602.