A positive attitude can go a long way.

Just ask Carol Weeks. She credits that for the longevity of her mother Dorothy Radisich, who just turned 101.

“She’s also a pleasant and nice person,” said Weeks on Friday during her mother’s birthday gathering at St. Jude Care Center in Manteca.

Besides family, residents and staff of the premiere skilled nursing facility joined in the celebration consisting of cake and refreshments.

Radisich, who spent most of her life in the Bay Area – she was born in Italy, raised in Mountain View, and called San Jose home up until eight years ago – needed a little help blowing out her birthday candles.

“Make a wish,” said her daughter Carol, who assisted in blowing out two of three ‘1-0-1’ candles.

Numbers have significance for Radisich.

“She has 101 nieces and nephews including three sets of five generations,” said Weeks, who has also lived in Manteca for the past eight years.

Radisich has been a St. Jude’s resident since November. “She was admitted here on 11-11-11 at 11 a.m.,” recalled Cecelia Drake in admissions.

Family members spent most of the afternoon with Radisich on her special day. A year ago, she had 200 people in attendance for her 100th birthday held in the Bay Area, recalled Weeks.

Radisich is already looking ahead.

“She’s going for 102,” Weeks said.