‘I’ve never been one to sit still’: Shirley celebrates 100
Boards, church committees, school events, family commitments — if something needed doing, Resthaven Malvern resident, Mrs Shirley Kanally (nee Reynolds), was usually there, sleeves rolled up.
She has spent her life ‘doing things’ and it is a pace that has barely slowed as she prepares to celebrate her 100th birthday this month.
‘I’ve always been busy,’ Shirley says. ‘I’ve never felt like I’ve had a lot of free time, because there are always things to be done.’
Shirley, who will turn 100 on 25 February, has been a vibrant part of the Resthaven Malvern community for around nine years.
‘There are many people I have welcomed into the home,’ Shirley says. ‘I’ve made a point of taking new residents “under my wing” and helping them settle in.’
Shirley has made some wonderful friendships within the home, and her friendly personality, enthusiasm and support is appreciated by the staff at Resthaven Malvern.
Early years
Shirley was born in Port Adelaide and raised in Woodville. One of four siblings, Shirley left school at 14. At 16, she met a young man named Peter.
‘We met at a dance at the Semaphore Palais,’ Shirley says.
The pair courted for a few years before getting married at St Paul’s Church in 1945.
Together, Shirley and Peter raised four children — three daughters and a son — while also building a family business. Peter owned a manufacturing company, and Shirley helped out wherever she was needed.
A keen cook and an accomplished dressmaker, Shirley made clothes for herself and the children, even sewing wedding outfits when her daughters were married.
‘I was a very neat sewer,’ Shirley says. ‘I made my daughter’s wedding dress, and I hand-beaded the whole thing. One sleeve took me a solid week to complete!’
Faith and family
Shirley and Peter enjoyed overseas travel to London, Scotland, Ireland and New Zealand. They sold the family business in 1986, but sadly, Peter died the following year at just 65 years old.
Family remains central to Shirley’s life. While her older sister died some years ago at the age of 96, Shirley is very close with her younger sister, who is 94. As well as her four children, Shirley has six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
‘I am the first in my family to reach 100,’ Shirley says. ‘I’m a fighter. I believe the Lord put me here to do important work, and that there is a time to be born and a time to die. The good Lord has looked after me.’
Shirley has lived a healthy life, with good food and regular exercise.
‘I don’t hold grudges,’ Shirley says. ‘Sometimes I do get cross, but I move on… I really can’t believe I’m going to be 100!’
Happy 100th birthday, Shirley! Thank you for sharing your story with us.