Pearl M. Knappenberger is celebrating her 100th birthday.

She was born Aug. 16, 1915 in Jamestown to Lillian (Kunkle) and Harry Krick.Pearl likes to remind her family that she attended school at Packerton Junior High until the ninth grade, where she was valedictorian in 1930. Then she skipped the 10th grade, and finished 11th and 12th grades at Lehighton High School. She graduated with the Class of 1932.Pearl married Edward R. Knappenberger in 1935. Ed worked for Nationwide Insurance for over 40 years. Ed passed away in 1987. They were married for 52 years.They have two sons, Edward (Skip) and Jay. Edward is married to Charlotte. They live in the Mahoning Heights section of Lehighton. He and his son Ed own Ed's Appliances in Lehighton. Jay is married Nancy. They live in Albrightsville. He is retired from IBM.She also has five grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.Pearl belonged to the Lehighton Legion Auxiliary, Lady Elks and Lady Craft. She is also a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lehighton, where she has many friends.Pearl loved bowling, playing cards, socializing with her friends and family, crocheting and baking. Pearl is known by many for her cakes and the desserts that she made for all occasions. There was always something baked for visitors at her home.She lived in her own home until the age of 98. She now lives at the The Summit at Blue Mountain Health System.Pearl is a town girl who has never wanted to live anywhere else but in Lehighton.Pearl suffers with dementia. But still remembers the old days. She's quick to correct you if you make a mistake.Her caregivers enjoy her spunkiness and help her win many prizes at bingo.