For one La Mesa resident, 2024 is going to be a special year indeed.

Elizabeth (Gena) Fischle, who resides at Say You’re Home (residential care facility for the elderly in La Mesa), will be 100 years old in January.

Earlier in November, Holly Shaffner, retired military officer with Honor Flight San Diego, celebrated Fischle for her service decades ago in the U.S. Coast Guard. Fischle has attended four White House celebrations over the past decades.

Fischle had the opportunity to join the Coast Guard to take advantage of the program they offered to her and to travel and meet new people.

“The opportunity is there and when it comes you have to grab it,” Fischle remarked, noting her service opened many doors for her.

According to Fischle, she feels lucky and thankful turning 100 in January, and wants to be remembered as being thankful.

“She (Fischle) feels like she is blessed, lucky, and fortunate and had parents who worked very hard to provide for her while growing up,” Lisa Sayre, owner of Say You’re Home, noted. According to Sayre, Fischle worked hard for her three children too.

Fischle’s keys to a long and happy life included smiling everyday, laughing a lot, and having wine.

“Enjoy family, the ones you love, and make the best of each day,” Fischle added.

Given the long and productive life Fischle has had, she has a lot to smile about.

(Courtesy photos)