Just days before her 105th birthday, Lucia DeClerck participated in a Zoom conference from her home at Mystic Meadows Rehab and Nursing Center in Little Egg Harbor to share her fascinating life story as well as her secrets to longevity with The SandPaper.

FACE OF RECOVERY: Lucia DeClerck smiles shortly after recovering from COVID-19, which she tested positive for on her 105th birthday. (Supplied Photo)

She had just received her second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, which was the only vaccination she has had in her lifetime. DeClerck has outlived two pandemics, both World Wars and three husbands.

It was on her birthday, however, that DeClerck tested positive for COVID-19.