NORFOLK, Neb. — On this day, Kathryn Brooks wears the crown.

It’s a royal celebration in Norfolk’s Woodland Park neighborhood. And rightfully so. Surrounded by loved ones, Kathryn is marking a milestone: her 103rd birthday.

And every queen deserves a tiara.

“I just love it," Kathryn said.

Kathryn is in the midst of a multi-day celebration. Molina Healthcare threw her a party Monday for being the insurance company’s oldest member. Nearly 50 people joined for a party on Sunday at the house where Brooks live by herself, still fiercely independent.

“I’m just proud as can be," Kathryn said. "In fact, I’m very happy that I can be that way.”

She’s quick to tell you that she still does simple cooking, cleaning, and laundry tasks, but gets help for the hard stuff.

“Reaching for things, scrubbing the floors, running the vacuum — I don’t do any of that," Kathryn said. "But I bet I could.”

Her quick wit is on display every day. It’s one of her secrets to longevity, in addition to being active.

“I exercise every day. Don’t give up," Kathryn said. "I don’t do a whole lot, but I’ve done this for years and years.”

“These down here are mom and dad," Randy Brooks said while gesturing to photos. "They got married in ’42. He was in the service. He came back for it.”

Kathryn’s husband, Jim, died in 2011. Her son, Randy, lives in Norfolk and helps out. Daughters Cheryl and Bonnie come from out of state to celebrate.

“We all came for her 100th and thought, ‘this is it, this is perfect.’ Well, then 101, 102 and here we are again," Cheryl said. "We are astonished and delighted.”

Naturally, the family’s been looking at old photos over the weekend. And doing plenty of reminiscing.

“I’ll tell you, I’ve had a good life," Kathryn said. "A few ups and downs, but who doesn’t?”

And there’s still room for more memories.

“I’m going to try to get to 104 so you guys have to come back," Kathryn said.