DEL MAR, Calif. — Jane Wilkens, a Solana Beach resident, celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends, marking a century of resilience, hard work, and dedication to her loved ones.

Born during the Great Depression, Wilkens recalls her mother's compassion during those difficult times.

"She felt sorry, I guess, they were starving, they didn't have food," said Wilkens, describing how her mother would invite strangers into their home to bathe and eat.

Growing up, Wilkens experienced firsthand the challenges of daily life without modern conveniences, including the task of washing clothes by hand.

"It was [a] tedious job, it took all day practically," she said.

Jane married Bob Wilkens and raised four boys, a feat she remembers with humor.

"They got into a lot of mischief

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