A Bridgeport great-great-grandmother attended a special ceremony Saturday to celebrate her 110th birthday.

Ernesta Garcia, who was born on this day in 1910, said the secret to longevity in life is being surrounded by the people you love.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal recognized Garcia "for her long record of outstanding citizenship."

Garcia came to Bridgeport from Puerto Rico in 1970. Her daughter, Elaina Arroyo, said Garcia has a good sense of humor and an equally good appetite.

"She like avocados, she like mangoes, she like everything, you know, my brother, he always buy things for her," Arroyo said.

"On this 110th birthday, this milestone is such a really powerful reminder about what's important in life," Blumenthal said.

Garcia said she's a very happy person with a deep faith in God.