Edna "Jinx" Rucquoy, left, 98, and Dorothy "Dottie" Simcox, right, 100 celebrated their birthdays on Thursday in Medford. 

Two sisters, their families and a whole lot of friends came together to celebrate a combined 198 years of life with the 100th birthday of Dorothy “Dottie” Simcox and her little sister Edna “Jinx” Rucquoy’s 98th birthday on Thursday.

Dozens of people gathered at the Weatherly Inn senior living center on Poplar Drive in Medford wearing purple — Simcox’s favorite color — for the dual celebration. The jovial murmur of friends and family helped enliven the occasion.

“Having all my family here is the best thing in all the world, and all my friends,” Simcox said. “I’m just overwhelmed.”

Born in Chicago, Simcox (nee Hartsock) grew up as one of six children.

She wished for a little sister, and that wish was granted when Rucquoy was born on the exact same Jan. 23 date two years later.

“My sister is 2 years and 45 minutes older, and we talk every day,” Rucquoy said.

“Dottie” and “Jinx” were inseparable growing up, family members said, although later in life the two lived in different states but stayed in contact with daily calls and occasional visits to each other.

Considering the difficulty of travel at their age, the two sisters were unable to celebrate their birthdays together for the past eight years — until Thursday.

While Simcox lives in Medford, Rucquoy lives in Antioch, Calif., in the East Bay Area.

Reunited once again, Simcox and Rucquoy were greeted by many visitors congratulating the two on their special day.

A musician hired for the event played Simcox’s favorite tune, “It Had To Be You” by Frank Sinatra, as the celebration continued.

“Flow with all the problems and all the good parts (of life); it makes you a calmer person,” Simcox said of the advice she’d give to younger generations on staying happy and healthy.

“As far as I’m concerned, I’m lucky to be alive,” Rucquoy said. “I’m alive, and I’m happy.”