Rosina Moschella Carchia, was born on January 29, 1913 in Dover. A century later, she celebrated and commemorated that event in the McGuirl home in Basking Ridge, with family members by her side.

Wednesday's dinner — her favorite, pasta with meatballs and sausage — was just a warm-up celebration for Mrs. Carchia.

On Saturday the family, was planning to throw an even bigger bash at a country club with more well-wishers for Mrs. Carchia.

But on the mid-week day of her actual 100th birthday, she was honored to be served the meal that she herself had often served on Sunday family dinners during decades of cooking, many at her home in South Orange.

Linda Guy McGuirl, her granddaughter, said her grandmother has lived with her in Basking Ridge for 10 years.

Mrs. Carchia said she was looking forward to her birthday dinner and, like any grandmother, she especially enjoyed hugs and kisses from her family at her (first) party.