Resthaven Murray Bridge, Hills & Fleurieu Community Services client, Mrs Doreen Pope, will celebrate her 105th birthday on 12 May surrounded by family and friends at her Oakbank home. Being descended from two of the first pioneering families of South Australia—the Dawkins of Gawler and the Maidments of Strathalbyn—Mrs Pope certainly inherited their adventurous spirit. … Continued
On 28 April, Miss Valda Graue celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends in her Western suburbs home. Born and raised in Peterborough, South Australia, Miss Graue had an older sister, Nita, who also lived well into her 100s. Miss Graue says, ‘My father was an engineer, while my mother tended to the … Continued
When Mr Colin Wagener, now aged 105, joined the army in 1938, he had no idea that he would photograph one of the most historic events of WWII. Mr Wagener signed up to join the militia forces part-time at Keswick Barracks in 1938, with his three best friends. Sadly, he would be the only one … Continued
On 25 April, Mrs Patricia Mackey (nee Barnes), will celebrate her centenarian milestone in her home at Resthaven Marion Retirement Living, as she reflects on a ‘life worth living.’ Born and raised in the rural township of Rainbow, northwest Victoria, in 1923, Mrs Mackey grew accustomed to farm life on 640 acres. Mrs Mackey says, … Continued
On 10 April, Mrs Doris Phelps celebrated her 100th birthday milestone, as she continues to enjoy views overlooking the Murray River with her family in Tailem Bend. Mrs Phelps says, ‘I grew up in the Barossa Valley, in a sub-region called Vine Vale.’ ‘It was a busy childhood, growing up the eldest of seven children. … Continued
On 10 April, Mrs Anne Hume will blow out 100 candles on her birthday cake at Resthaven Port Elliot. She shares what is most important in life as she reflects on her centenarian milestone. Growing up in Largs, Scotland, Mrs Hume has always found herself by the sea. Mrs Anne Hume Mrs Hume says, ‘I … Continued
Happy birthday to Resthaven Malvern’s most recent centenarian, Miss Edna Chatfield, who celebrates her 100th birthday on 18 February, with a lifetime of memories and adventures to look back on. Born and raised in the outskirts of the Adelaide CBD, Miss Chatfield reflects on her childhood in a family of four. ‘My brother and I … Continued
As Mrs Grace Ormsby approaches her 100th birthday on 12 February, she shares her reflections from the past century, along with some notable advice. Growing up on the family farm in Snowtown, South Australia, with her sister and brother, Mrs Ormsby remembers a busy start to life. Mrs Ormsby says, ‘My father was a WWI … Continued
Resthaven Bellevue Heights resident, Mr Eric Johnson, was born 100 years ago, on 2 February 1923. Alongside his sister and brother, Mr Johnson was raised in Birmingham, England. Growing up, Mr Johnson’s father was a motorcycle engineer, while his mother tended to the home. Mr Johnson remembers, ‘It was a tough place to be during … Continued
On 16 January 1923, Mrs Mary Small (nee Fisher), was born into a musical family of nine, in North Adelaide, South Australia. Growing up in Colonel Light Gardens, Mrs Small attended the local St Therese’s Primary School with her sister and five brothers. At the age of 14, Mrs Small worked at Foy & Gibson’s … Continued
On 7 January 1923, Mrs Angelina Manias (nee Makris) was born on the Greek island of Ikaria—one of five known blue zones in the world, and home to some of the longest-living people. Blue zones are widely recognised as regions where the population live the healthiest, longest lives—many surpassing 100. This is largely due to … Continued
On 12 December, Mr Wilfred ‘Wilf’ Taylor will celebrate both his 100th birthday, and 50 years in his southern suburbs home, where he lives independently, with the assistance of Resthaven Onkaparinga Community Services. Born in Rose Park, Adelaide, in a family of five, Mr Taylor reflects on childhood through the 1920s and Depression years of … Continued
On 2 December 2022, Resthaven Murray Bridge, Hills & Fleurieu Community Services Client, Mr Colin Wagener, gathers with his nearest and dearest to celebrate his 105th birthday. Mr Wagener has worn many hats throughout his 105 years — a WWII Sergeant, a real estate developer, a classic car collector and a history-changing photographer. He’s also … Continued
On 2 December, Mr Erwin Rohrlach celebrates his 100th birthday, surrounded by family in his home at Murray Bridge. Growing up at Tablelands, between Eudunda and Truro, Mr Rohrlach has many childhood memories of the family farm with his eleven siblings. ‘We had a farm of 150 acres, and when you have horses as well, … Continued
Mrs Beryl Dickinson was born 100 years ago in a small Adelaide home, on 21 November 1922, the fifth child in her family. Two years prior to her arrival, her family had made a life-changing arrival of their own. Mrs Dickinson explains, ‘My family were originally from England, and they made the decision to migrate … Continued
On 15 November 2022, Resthaven Port Elliot resident, Mrs Mavis Wimshurst, celebrates her 100th birthday. In light of her milestone birthday, she reflects on her life full of hard work, resilience, and unwavering dedication to family. Mrs Wimshurst’s dedication to her children stems from her childhood years — she never knew her parents and was … Continued
Resthaven Mitcham resident, Mrs Frances ‘Fran’ Blight (nee Cairns), shares her hundred years of wisdom with us, as she reaches her centenarian milestone on 14 October. Born in North Melbourne with four siblings, Mrs Blight shares her fondness towards her father. ‘My father [James Cairns] had a business making saddles for the war horses in … Continued
On 14 September 2022, Mrs Jean Morrison celebrates 100 years with her devoted family by her side at Resthaven Marion. Born and raised in Castlemaine, Victoria in 1922, Mrs Morrison was the third of eight children, helping raise her five younger siblings. Daughter, Julianne, shares, ‘Mum is remembered as a bright and pretty young woman, … Continued
On 10 September 2022, Mrs Gwenda Ruse celebrates her centenarian milestone with friends and family at Resthaven Westbourne Park. The youngest of five siblings, Mrs Ruse grew up in a busy but close family in Murray Bridge. ‘As a little girl, I was teased by my brothers constantly! But they protected me fiercely and I … Continued
On 8 September 2022, Mrs Bonnie Chapman will celebrate her 105th birthday—crowning her the wisest green thumb on site at Resthaven Aberfoyle Park. Born and raised in the South Australian countryside, Mrs Chapman has always held an enthusiasm for the outdoors. ‘I have used my hands all my life, working on the farm mostly,’ explains … Continued