KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman reached an extraordinary milestone this week, celebrating her 100th birthday surrounded by recognition from city officials who honored a century of life marked by education, volunteerism and service to others.

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Ann V. Stefancic received a surprise visit Wednesday afternoon at her home from Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala, City Administrator John Morrissey, Deputy Police Chief Brent Sagedal and Deputy Fire Chief Scott Krueger. The group arrived with a birthday cake and a special commendation recognizing Stefancic’s 100th birthday and her many years of contributions to the Kenosha community.

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The celebration wasn’t simply about reaching the century mark. City officials used the occasion to recognize a life that has included decades of service to local students and families, followed by years of volunteer work after Stefancic’s professional career had ended.

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In the commendation, Bogdala said Stefancic “has exemplified a lifetime of service, compassion and commitment to improving the lives of others through both her professional career and volunteer efforts.”

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A substantial portion of Stefancic’s life was devoted to education.

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She spent more than 30 years working for the Kenosha Unified School District, meaning her career touched multiple generations of Kenosha-area students, educators and families.

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“Ann devoted more than 30 years to the Kenosha Unified School District, where she faithfully served generations of students, educators and families, making a lasting impact through her dedication to education and the success of young people in the Kenosha community,” the city’s commendation reads.

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For many people, three decades of service to a school district would represent the conclusion of a long career of giving back. For Stefancic, retirement instead became the beginning of another chapter of community service.

After retiring, she volunteered for 12 years at a local hospital, where she spent her time helping patients, visitors and health care professionals. The commendation specifically recognized the kindness and compassion she brought to that volunteer work.

Taken together, Stefancic’s professional and volunteer service spans more than four decades — more than 30 years with KUSD followed by another 12 years volunteering at the hospital.

That record of service was at the center of Wednesday’s recognition.

Reaching 100 years old is itself a remarkable milestone. Stefancic’s birthday also provided city leaders with an opportunity to recognize the impact one person can have over a lifetime — first through a career devoted to education and then through continued volunteer service to people in need.

Bogdala’s commendation described Stefancic’s century of life as one characterized not only by longevity, but by the qualities she demonstrated throughout it.

“Ann’s century of life has been marked by hard work, generosity, resilience, and an enduring spirit of service that has enriched the Kenosha community and serves as an inspiration to all who have had the privilege of knowing her,” the commendation reads.

Wednesday’s visit brought together representatives from several parts of Kenosha city government to mark the occasion. Joining Bogdala and Morrissey were senior representatives of both of the city’s public-safety departments, with Sagedal representing the Kenosha Police Department and Krueger representing the Kenosha Fire Department.

And while the official commendation catalogued Stefancic’s decades of contributions to Kenosha, the celebration itself was fittingly simple: city officials showing up at her home with a cake to wish her a happy 100th birthday.

For someone whose life has included decades spent serving others, Wednesday was Kenosha’s opportunity to return the gesture.

Happy 100th birthday, Ann.