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Edna Sawicki embodies the Spirit of Southern Arizona as she turns 100 years old

Friends and family across the U.S. arrive to celebrate
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EDNA SAWICKI TURNS 100

TUCSON, Ariz. — On June 8th, 1922, a loaf of bread only cost a nickel, and a gallon of gas was just 30 cents.

That's also the day Edna Sawicki was born.

Wednesday, the long-time Tucson resident celebrated her 100th birthday.

We first met Edna back in 2014. She was celebrating her 92nd birthday by riding around town in a classic Model-A Ford, chauffeured by the owner James Beebe.

She had plans to celebrate her centennial the same way, but the ride was canceled because of triple-digit temperatures.

"This Model-A doesn't perform well in this kind of heat but it performed," Beebe said. "It's 91 years old and it's still going strong."

Edna chimed in: "It's trying to keep up with me."

"It's trying to keep up with Edna, yes," said Beebe.

The Model-A is special to Edna because her family owned the same kind of car when she was young. Also special to Edna is her 100th birthday celebration at El Molinito.

EDNA SAWICKI TURNS 100
Dozens of friends and family members from all over the country came to Tucson, including 20 from Alaska, to celebrate Edna Sawicki's 100th birthday. There are even some friends from England making the trip.

"Listen, I can't believe the people that have come," Edna said.

Dozens of family members from all over the country came to town including 20 from Alaska. There are even some friends from England making the trip to Tucson.

Edna says she doesn't have a secret to living so long, but she does have some general advice.

"I just take each day at a time and I don't worry about things I can't change," Edna said. "So there's no need to worry and get upset. I just take each day as it comes and thank God for it."

Edna started working as a manicurist at the Santa Rita Hotel in Downtown Tucson. That's also where she met her husband of nearly 30 years.

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Pat Parris is an anchor and reporter for KGUN 9. He is a graduate of Sabino High School where he was the 1982 high school state track champion in the 800 meters. While in high school and college, he worked part-time in the KGUN 9 newsroom. Share your story ideas and important issues with Pat by emailing pat.parris@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.