A celebration fit for a queen: Helen Peavey turns 104, oldest St. Francis resident

Helen Peavey celebrated her 104th birthday Tuesday morning among family, friends and fellow residents at St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Laconia. Peavey is the oldest resident at St. Francis. She has lived in her own apartment there since she was 97. At 104, Peavey is the matriarch of five generations in her family, including her great-great-great-grandchildren. Her granddaughter Tina Kelly and great-granddaughter Rosalie Belyea, who works at St. Francis as a nurse, attended the celebration. Everything at the party was yellow, Peavey's favorite color. Kelly said Peavey’s secret to a long life is her love for vegetables and vitamin regimen. She's also skilled at managing stress and has found solace in helping raise the many children in her family.