At 104 years old, Ele Nora has seen a lot.

That didn’t make the birthday celebration held for her on Friday at Avalon Nursing Home any less special, though.

Nora, whose grandson, Tony James, noted had survived multiple world wars and pandemics, said that being surrounded by family, friends and nursing home staff on her birthday was a special experience.

“My mother died alone,” Nora said. “I said nobody’s going to die alone again.”

Nora said she has befriended many elderly. At her age, Nora said she wasn’t scared of death; rather, she was scared of the living.

Mayor Frank Picozzi attended the party as well, giving Nora a plaque commemorating her birthday on behalf of the city’s government.

Picozzi noted that Nora’s accomplishment was truly special. At 104, Nora is the second-oldest known resident of Warwick, with Picozzi saying that the Board of Canvassers was only able to find one 106-year-old.

Also in attendance were other residents of Avalon, who gathered for pizza, cake and a slideshow of pictures from Nora’s life. They said that Nora was known at the nursing home for being a bingo expert.

Evident throughout her life, according to her daughter, Diana Tenry, was Nora’s strong will. That helped her survive when, at the age of 96, she underwent emergency brain surgery.

“It was a dark time,” James said. “We wouldn’t think we would be here right now. It makes it special, everything she’s survived.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Nora’s family found creative ways to keep in touch with her without potentially exposing her to the virus.

“During the real thick of COVID, we would visit her here through the window, and communicate on a dry erase [board],” James said.

Tenry said that her mother loved to dance, and would often spend time dancing.

“She always kept active,” Tenry said. “She was always exercising; after she retired she kept going, volunteering.”

Nora said keys to a long life are eating well, exercising and living with as little stress as possible.

Asked what advice she had for young people, Nora responded with three simple words- don’t get old.

After 104 years, though, Nora said that she still had unique experiences, and days like Friday hadn’t lost their meaning to her.

“[There’s] something new every day,” Nora said.”