Known for her cheerful personality, sense of humour and fantastic cooking, Margaret Winchell Pires will be surrounded by family and friends as she celebrates her 100th birthday today.Mrs Pires’ family, originally from the Açores, arrived in Bermuda by way of the United States in 1924 when Mrs Pires was 12-years-old. She married the late Adeodato ‘Dot’ Pires, a farmer who operated a horse and buggy taxi.Mrs Pires never learned to ride a moped, and she and her husband never owned a car.One visiting relative said: “She had a pretty hard life in terms of creature comforts. But she’s just a happy person, pleasant and cheerful.”A grandson, Michael Monaco, shared his memories of spending time with Mrs Pires more than 30 years ago.“I was stationed here in the military in 1980 for three months and it was a warm home, with good meals and lots of family coming and going.”Nelrene Monaco, Mrs Pires’ daughter, mentioned that her mother “used to sing all the time, Christmas carols and songs on the radio”.“She still to this day cares about fashion, with her make-up on every day. And she’s petrified of frogs.”Mrs Pires has two children, four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Her children, Nelrene Monaco and Stanley Pires, and several grandchildren are visiting from the United States to celebrate with her and other relatives in Bermuda.While speaking to one of her nephews, Robert Pires, Mrs Pires gave her thoughts on turning 100.“I prayed to the good Lord to let me live to 100, and now that I’m 100, he can let me go.”