Helen Millson of Fairfield turned 100 years old Sunday, and friends and family gathered at Maplewood of Southport, where she lives, to celebrate the occasion.

“Mom has always gone above and beyond to help her children and give us a better life than she had,” said Millson’s daughter, Pam Banks. “We are so proud of her and we feel so lucky to have her.”

Millson grew up in Oakville, a small town outside Waterbury, and later studied at the Pratt Institute of Art in New York.

“Art is relaxing and I always enjoyed doing it,” Millson said.

The centenarian said the Golden Rule has guided her throughout her life.

“I always try to be kind to everyone, just as I hope they’d be kind to me — and it’s always worked so far,” she said.