She takes part in an exercise class everyday and is described by her family as the “life and soul” of any occasion.
And yesterday the north-east’s newest centenarian was the centre of attention as she celebrated her milestone birthday.
Helen Stephen, of Fraserburgh, marked the special event with an afternoon tea, attended by her family and friends.
She was born and educated in the town, but moved around quite often due to her father’s job as a farm worker.
The grandmother of four keeps herself busy by completing both a crossword and sudoku every day – and loves reading.
Her daughter-in-law Liz Stephen, of Fraserburgh, said the 100-year-old was “very young at heart”, and also enjoyed the odd glass of martini.
“She is very astute and has an amazing memory for her age. She is a great reader and loves reading,” she said.
“When she was a bit younger and they had bingo downstairs she used to take two other peoples cards and fill out three at once. She has very good recall.”
Helen’s husband Andrew, who was a keen bowler, passed away in 1994. The pair had got married in Fraserburgh in 1937 – and enjoyed attending many bowling gatherings together.
The couple had two children, Kenny, and the late Keith – and have four grandchildren, Graham, Carol, Annette and Paul.
Helen did a course on bookkeeping at the local college in Fraserburgh, and had a variety of jobs, including working at the office in Morrison’s bakery in Maud.
“She has lovely memories of being in Maud. The train was running there at the time and she has memories of running to catch the train to Peterhead. She told us about the train leaving the station and her being pulled up into the guard van and staying in there,” Liz said.
“She has been retired for a long time now but she enjoys her family and has us round about her. She is very much a part of the community.”
Helen volunteered for 14 years at the Youth Centre in Fraserburgh, helping out with “anything and everything”.
Liz said: “She keeps herself well and has been very excited about it all. It has been a tremendous occasion for all of us.
“Her friends came from Alloa and also her granddaughter who has married an airline pilot came from Luton.”