Clara Elaine Breaker "Ogorzolka" celebrated her 100th birthday on Jan.17 in Denver. She celebrated with friends and the families of her three children ( Richard Breaker, Marjorie Baird and Patricia Coover), her five grandchildren and11 great grandchildren. The celebration took place at Clara's retirement home, the Heritage Club. Her Nebraska relatives were unable to attend due to poor weather conditions.

Clara was born and raised in Cambridge, Nebraska before moving to Denver with her husband, William, and their three children, Richard, Marjorie and Patricia. Clara not only lived through the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl days of the '30s, and World War II, but also together with her husband, now deceased, and their three small children, rode out the Republican River flood of l935. They survived by living on the roof of their house for three days after all of their possessions were swept away.

The young family started their lives over in Denver. It was a good choice, she says, and her children and grandchildren heartily agree. They all continue to live in the Denver area.

Many of Clara's relatives still live in Cambridge including her sister, Bessie Downey, and several nieces and nephews. Clara and Bessie are the only two of eight siblings still living.

Clara's family is grateful for her long life, her remarkable good health, and her amazing, sharp mind. She attributes her longevity to working hard, keeping busy, having a positive attitude, and having a good laugh every day. Currently, she lives independently and is a very young lady at heart.

When asked what inventions and changes were most impressive in the years since 1907 she didn't answer "airplanes or the internet or interstate highways" as you might expect. Without hesitation she declared "indoor plumbing" to be the most significant and important invention of all times.

Clara and her family wish to thank everyone for making her birthday extra special with flowers, phone calls, and cards.