INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis woman celebrated her 100th birthday Friday at the Rustic Root Tea Room in Beech Grove, surrounded by family and former colleagues.

Wilma Shea officially turned 100 on Saturday, Oct. 10. The celebration honored her century of life and her 13-year career as an executive secretary at the American Legion National Headquarters, which began nearly 80 years ago.

Eric Smith with the American Legion and Wilma Shea. (Provided Photo/Sarah Ward)

Eric Smith of the American Legion gave Shea commemorative coins and autographed books from his “No Mercy” series to recognize her service.

Representatives from the Indianapolis Fire Department honored Shea’s late husband, Capt. Joe Shea, who died 32 years ago. Todd Wilson of the IFD Pension Office, along with colleagues Mike and Kay, gave Shea items from Joe Shea’s personnel file, including identification badges, records of his career accomplishments, photographs, and a handwritten letter explaining his motivation to become a firefighter.

The Indianapolis Fire Department presented Wilma with her late husband Joe’s ID, badges, photos, and more from his personnel profile. (Provided Photo/Sarah Ward)

Despite his death three decades ago, the department remains close to the family. Shea continues to display her husband’s fire boots in her home.

The celebration continued when firefighters from IFD Station 46 arrived in a fire truck to wish Shea a happy birthday before departing with flashing lights and a siren.

Sarah Ward, a 13-year Meals on Wheels volunteer, and her husband, Eric Ward, organized the event. Barb Renshaw of Meals on Wheels also attended and gave Shea a birthday card signed by the organization’s staff.

Happy Birthday, Wilma!