Mrs Gloria Merson, Mr Cyril Price, and Mrs Patricia Mackey are just a few Resthaven clients who have celebrated their centenarian milestones in their own homes this year. However, they are far from the only ones—and the trend is growing. In 2014, ten residents and clients celebrated their milestone birthdays—three of them in their own … Continued
Happy 100th birthday to Mr Lyall Ellers, Resthaven Onkaparinga Community Services client, who celebrated his centenarian milestone on 7 September. Mr Ellers was one of four children, growing up in Claremont, Western Australia, against the backdrop of the Great Depression. ‘Our father was a Great War veteran — he saw another war on the way … Continued
On 3 September, Mrs Patricia Bagley will celebrate her 100th birthday with family and friends, as she enjoys her seaside home at Resthaven Port Elliot. Mrs Bagley has always enjoyed coastal living; from the time she was born. Mrs Bagley says, ‘I was born at Brighton and grew up in Reynella. Sadly, my mother passed … Continued
On 30 August, we wish a special happy birthday to Mrs Mary Wilson (nee Blanch), who is proud to enter her centenarian era in the comfort of her home, with the weekly assistance of Resthaven Murray Bridge, Hills & Fleurieu Community Services. Mrs Wilson was born and raised in Adelaide with her parents and siblings, … Continued
On 24 August, we celebrate the 100th birthday of Resthaven Westbourne Park resident, Mrs Audrey Rice. Born and raised in Kapunda as an only child, Mrs Rice recalls her special connection to her mother. ‘My father worked away most of the time, so it was just my mother and me. She was the most wonderful person … Continued
Happy 100th birthday to Resthaven Port Elliot resident, Mr Raymond Dewey, who celebrates his milestone on 11 August. While Mr Dewey now enjoys a relaxing lifestyle in the Fleurieu Peninsula, the first half of his life looked vastly different. Mr Dewey says, ‘I was born and raised in Nottingham, England, along with my brother.’ ‘We were … Continued
Happy birthday to Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services client, Mr Cyril Price, who celebrates his centenarian milestone on 3 August. The youngest of seven children, Mr Price grew up in regional Warrnambool, Victoria. ‘My father worked full-time on the railways, and my mother was busy looking after all of us.’ ‘We had a lot of … Continued
Happy birthday to Resthaven Elizabeth North Retirement Living resident, Mrs Gloria Merson, who celebrates turning 101 on 29 July. Having lived ‘many lives’ in her time, Mrs Merson says, ‘I started life on a simple cattle farm in New South Wales with my nine younger siblings. My father ran a successful cheese factory using the milk … Continued
Happy 100th birthday to Resthaven Marion resident, Mrs Jean Hunt, who is delighted to join the centenarian club on 25 July. Born and raised in the mid-north town of Port Pirie in 1923, Mrs Hunt remembers her childhood fondly. Son, Paul, says, ‘Mum grew up with her younger brother in the township, and had a nurturing … Continued
On 2 July, Resthaven Aberfoyle Park resident, Mrs Audrey Niesche will celebrate her centenarian milestone, as she looks back on the past 100 years with pride. Born in Manchester, England, Mrs Niesche grew up with a World War I veteran father, and a nurturing stay-at-home mother. Mrs Niesche says, ‘I was an only child, but … Continued
On 1 July, Resthaven Craigmore resident, Mrs Ivy Roennfeldt, will celebrate her centenarian milestone with friends and family at the Southern Hotel in Gawler, with 100 years of memories to look back on. Born and raised on the family farm near Jindera, New South Wales, Mrs Roennfeldt had a busy start to life. Daughter, Eleanor, … Continued
On 28 May, Mrs Joyce Thompson celebrates her 100th birthday in her home at Resthaven Malvern, as she reflects on a century of serving others. Mrs Thompson says, ‘I was born in Melbourne, where I lived with my sister and brother.’ ‘Both my sister and brother went on to join the forces themselves—my sister in … Continued
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