Dot celebrates 103 years

A Peninsula Village resident has celebrated her 103rd birthday at Umina recently.

Ms Dorothea Devine, or Dot as she is known, turned 103 on Thursday, November 24 and celebrated with a special morning tea with other residents and her family.

Dot said she wasn't sure about the secret to living a long life but thought it came down to keeping the mind active.

"I have always had a strong passion for reading and love a good crossword challenge," said Dot.

Peninsula Village presented her with a bouquet of 103 Gerberas.

"Dot is a special resident at Don Leggett House who brings a smile to the faces of other residents and our staff on a regular basis," said Peninsula Village chief executive officer Mr Shane Neaves.

"While Dot wanted a quiet affair, it was only fitting to ensure that we marked this incredible milestone with a few sweet treats and teas as well as an incredible 103 gerberas that certainly brought a huge smile to Dot's face," Mr Neaves said.

Dot Devine not only lived through the Great Depression but both World Wars and has lived through the reign of 24 Australian Prime Ministers.

She was one of nine children, the mother of two daughters and is both a grandmother and great grandmother.

"As one of nine children, we had to do many things around the house and especially so as I was predominately raised by my mother as my father died when I was just aged seven.

"After raising my two daughters, I also raised my two grandchildren from age four and five which kept me young and active," she said.

Ms Divine was one of the first residents to move into Don Leggett House more than 11 years ago.

Since that time she has made many friends and is regularly visited by her nephew and daughters Kay and Barbara.

Reminiscing about her life, Dot spoke warmly about her days working as a machinist, where she made lounges and mattresses back in the late 1930s.

She was also an active volunteer doing charity work for Meals on Wheels and Legacy in her older age.

"I loved working and had a great interest in sewing and knitting once I had children.

"I also used to play the piano and actually enjoyed domestic chores such as cooking and cleaning.

"I was a champion dart player and also enjoyed playing tennis and have a fond interest in watching the professional tennis tournaments as well as listening to Judy Garland," said Dot.

With her 103rd birthday now reached, Dot said she was looking forward to many more great times and to enjoying the 103 blooms that brightened up her room.

"I have never seen so many flowers and 103 Gerberas in my room will certainly be a talking point for the next few days," said Dot.

Media release, 28 Nov 2016

Katey Small, Brilliant Logic