102-years-young: Chicagoland grandma celebrates special birthday

ORLAND PARK, Ill. (WLS) -- Happy birthday to Evelyn Soderquist!

This Chicagoland mother, grandmother, and great grandmother turns 102 years old Thursday. Surrounded by friends and family of all ages, Soderquist celebrated with a party Wednesday afternoon in Orland Park.

"I've had a wonderful life," said a beaming Soderquist.

Originally from South Chicago, she raised her three boys in Riverdale.

"She's been the rock of our family ever since we were little kids," said her youngest son, Rich Soderquist.

That family has expanded quite a bit over the years--Evelyn now has 6 grandkids and 11 great grandkids.

"We don't know how she's still chugging along," said 17-year-old great grandson Ben Formanski, adding "it's amazing."

The group agrees that Evelyn has been at every event along the way and jokes skydiving with "Gran" may come next.

"I hope I keep going a good many years yet... and feel as good as I do," said Evelyn, blowing a kiss to her family.