LIFE IS GOOD—Lorene Foster, center, celebrates her 100th birthday with friends and family at Simi Hills Gracious Living Village on Monday. Foster was born Oct. 20, 1908 in Colfax, Wash. Celebrating her 100th birthday this past Monday, Lorene Foster showed she hasn't lost her sense of humor.

When asked how it felt to reach the century mark, Foster joked, "I wouldn't know. I've never been here before."

Family and friends gathered for two celebrations honoring the Simi Valley resident.

Monday's party, the second celebration, took place on Foster's actual birthday. She was born Oct. 20, 1908, in Colfax, Wash.

"My mom is the first person I've ever known to turn 100," said her daughter, Linda Plaks, who lives in Moorpark. "She's excited by all the attention."

The party took place at Simi Hills Gracious Living Village, where Foster lives. More than 25 wellwishers gathered for a luncheon in the central dining room.

"Mrs. Foster is very alert, very bright," said Sherri Trout, enrichment coordinator at the independent living facility. "I made her a crown and told her she was 'queen for a day' today."

Foster's first 100th birthday celebration was Oct. 18 at the Best Western Posada Royale Hotel on Madera Road. More than 150 family members and friends attended a banquet dinner.

Foster's three adult daughters, Barbara Elliott of Simi Valley, Marilyn Berry of Santa Cruz and Plaks, attended both events. Some of Foster's 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren were at both parties as well.

"It's quite an honor, everybody showing up to show their love and respect," Foster said. "It makes you feel humble."

One friend, Ulli Frank, flew from Germany to honor Foster and celebrate the occasion.

As a foreign exchange student, Frank had stayed with Plaks and her husband 27 years ago.

"I promised Mrs. Foster I would come to her party if she made it to 100," Frank said. "She was always a grandma to me. She gave good advice. She brought all the family together."

The president, governor and other state and local officials honored Foster by sending certificates and birthday cards.

Simi Valley Mayor Paul Miller and the Simi Valley City Council gave Foster a certificate in honor of her longevity and civic contributions to Simi Valley.

Foster and her husband, Chester, ran Santa Susana Airport. The couple bought the small private landing strip and moved to Simi Valley in 1947. The airport was near the south end of Tapo Street.

"My husband was a pilot. One day he was flying over Ventura County and saw this little airport. He said, 'Boy, I'd like to have that,'" Foster said. "We had very few planes in the beginning, and then the business grew."

All that remains of the airport now is a sign for Runway Drive. Chester "Chet" Foster died in 1992.

During her younger years, Foster was an avid traveler; she has been around the world twice. She was a longtime active member of the PTA, community theater groups and the Simi Valley Women's Club.

Foster is still flying high on the love and good wishes from family and friends.

"Our mother enjoys life. She never complains. She just moves along and does everything she has to do," Plaks said. "She's a great inspiration for everybody."