Family and friends were there to toast.
"I never dreamt anything of that sort would happen especially on this special day," said Bryniarski.
Bryniarski said it's hard to believe she's 99, but she did celebrate the milestone with cake and a glass of champagne. She did have one request for a birthday present- a lottery ticket.
"I asked her to get me two tickets just to see how far my luck could last," said Bryniarski.
Her daughter, Eileen Zywiciel, said it may be more than luck that's helped Bryniarski lead a long life.
"You just hope you inherit the genes. She's just terrific. She's so determined and just a real spiffy person," said Eileen Zywiciel.
Bryniarski's therapists at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital also helped her celebrate. She suffered a stroke nearly two weeks ago. Until then, she's been healthy and living on her own at a retirement village.
"Nobody wants to be in the hospital on their birthday but also it's a significant birthday, 99 and we just wanted to honor her life and make it a special day," said Marja Rowberri, therapist.
Bryniarski already has plans for her 100th birthday in 2010.
"I'll pray to God for 101," said Bryniarski.
She said she has no special routine or secret to living a long life. Bryniarski said she's fortunate- and that nine might just be her lucky number.
Also at Advocate Lutheran General on Wednesday, a baby was born at 9:09 on 9/9/09.
