It was a wondrous occasion for Constance Martin-Biernacki, who celebrated her 100th birthday on Sunday with many family members and friends gathered around her at Silver Creek Manor in Bristol. 

The former Barrington resident was showered with love and affection on a day when four generations of family took the time to welcome her as the latest centenarian.

Better known as “Connie,” this unique lady made a grand entrance as she was wheeled into the Silver Creek dining room where her birthday party was held. Naturally, she came dressed wearing her beloved New England Patriots sweater.

“The Patriots are my favorite team,” said Connie, her smile widening at the mere mention of the boys from Foxboro, Mass. “I’ve been a fan for many years.”

As a matter of fact, there was mention of a special surprise guest appearance by members of the Patriots family this week. But that was still in the planning stages.

“I love the Patriots,” she continued. “My room is full of Patriots souvenirs and other items. I just love the team.”

Connie is as sharp as a tack and has seen much in her 100 years — she was born when Woodrow Wilson was the sitting president in the White House and the price of a gallon of gasoline was 15 cents.

Connie Biernacki’s story has been so fascinating, an earlier interview was conducted by then Roger Williams University student John J. Camarero III, who brought her life into clear focus.

Born on Feb. 18, 1918 in Riverside, the daughter of Euphemia and Marshal Herbert Martin, she lived in Barrington for many years. According to family records, the Martin family has been in Barrington for 10 generations, and is considered one of the first families to settle in town in 1714.

Connie attended elementary school in Barrington in a small four-room schoolhouse and Junior High School. When she was 13, her family moved to Warren, and Connie eventually graduated from Warren High School in 1936. 

Connie married her high school sweetheart, John Biernacki, in 1938 at Warren Baptist Church. The couple had two children, Cynthia, who was born in 1943, and Jane Biernacki-Piccerelli, who was born in 1946.

In 1950, Connie and her husband bought a house in Barrington, which she lived in until 2001. The Biernackis loved sports, especially football, Connie’s favorite pastime. After suffering two heart attacks, John Biernacki died of heart complications on New Year’s Eve, 1980. Connie’s mother had passed away in 1974, and her father died in 1982 at the age of 91.

Connie also loved traveling and reading in her later years, and became fond of music, especially rock-and-roll and performers such as Eric Clapton and Neil Diamond.

In 2006, Connie suffered further heartache with the passing of her daughter, Cynthia, who had been battling ALS for years. She lived with her daughter Jane until 2012, when she moved into Franklin Court in Bristol. Now, she resides at Silver Creek, where she enjoys her surroundings and all those who take good care of her.

“I still have my mind,” she was overheard telling a birthday well-wisher. “I have a lot of fond memories.”

Daughter Jane Biernacki-Piccerelli says her mother has been the consummate role model.

“My mom was tough with my sister Cynthia and I,” she recalled. “We had a great childhood growing up on Chapman Lane in Barrington. My parents were hard workers and provided us with everything we needed. It wasn’t until my adult years that I appreciated Mom. She is a very religious person and reads her devotionals daily. And, she’s an avid Patriots fan… from the draft to the Super Bowl. She has received birthday gifts from them the last three years.”

Reaching the 100-year plateau during her lifetime is something Connie has put in the hands of God.

“I’ve been able to live his long because of my faith in the Lord,” she said. “Being content in what you have and what you are is important.”

Besides her daughter Jane, Connie has four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, and she loves spending time with all of them when possible.

In a special poem she wrote on the occasion of her 100th birthday, Connie stated, “As I enter my one hundredth year, I thank the Lord forever near; you’ve brought me through tumultuous days, and also exceeding praise. You’ve given me wonderful family and friends, the joy of my heart never ends. Contentment has followed me all of my days for them and you I give you my praise.”

No matter where Connie has lived throughout the Bristol County area, she’s made a definitive impact. People just warm up to her and marvel at what she’s been able to accomplish and endure over these past 100 years. It’s been a story worth talking about.