Elizabeth “Betty” Simon recently celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends with a party at Maryhill Manor in Niagara, Wis. Guests came from the local area, as well as Wisconsin and lower Michigan, which included her sister, Darlene Willman and nephew, Dave Willman, both of Traverse City, Mich.; and niece Diane Willman of Lansing.

Betty was born Sept. 24, 1924, to Angelo and Annie Wentarmini. In addition to her younger sister, Darlene, she had two brothers who passed away, George Wentarmini of Iron Mountain and Louis Wentarmini of Milwaukee.

She was raised on Iron Mountain’s Northside and graduated in 1942 from Iron Mountain High School.

Betty married Eugene “Gene” Simon of Norway on June 15, 1944.

BETTY SIMON with her 100-year birthday cake. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

During the time, Gene served with the U.S. Navy as fighter pilot in World War II. She traveled with him for about three years while he was deployed. Gene preceded her in death in 1993.

Betty worked for W.B. Thompson in Iron Mountain for 50 years as an accountant and chief financial officer. She retired at the age of 75.

“She was ahead of her time,” said nephew Dave Willman. “Not too many women ended up CFO at that time.”

Her sister, Darlene Willman, noted how proud she was of her for all accomplishments.

Betty was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Iron Mountain; the Daughters of Isabella, serving as the club’s financial officer for many years; and the Bridge Club.

BETTY SIMON relaxes in her room during an interview. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

Her sister added that bridge and 500 were her two favorite card games, playing them frequently.

She enjoyed volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul, the hospital gift shop and the church.

Betty was a world traveler, taking many trips with her sister. Her favorite were adventures on the cruise ships that included more than a dozen.

She also took many trips for work, she said.

Betty is known for her talents in the kitchen.

“She is a great cook — she made the best risotto,” Dave Willman said.

Diane added she also made fabulous desserts, including baklava.

Darlene said after their mother passed away, Betty took over hosting holiday meals. “She would cook up a storm,” she said.

Whether it was working, entertaining or just running errands, Betty always looked classy and professional.

“She was always dressed to the nines,” Dave Willman said.

Her niece joked that her shoe collection resembled Imelda Marcos. “She also had a handbag to match each pair,” Diane Willman said.

Betty remained in her own home on the Northside until age 98 and was still driving.

“She used to take her friends to all their appointments, meetings or shopping,” Dave Willman said. “She was the spry, youthful one of her friends group.”

“We used to joke that she drove for the elderly,” Diane Willman said.

Betty moved to Victorian Pines for about two years, and in July became a resident at Maryhill Manor in Niagara.

“She had an interesting life, that’s for sure,” Darlene Willman noted.

Her good health comes from her mother, who lived to be almost 97.

Betty said she believes being a faithful, good and giving person is the “secret” to reaching 100-years young.