A 100th birthday thanks to sunshine, food and gratitude

Bolton Clarke Keperra Sanctuary resident and new centenarian Daphne is counting her lucky stars to be celebrating her 100^th birthday.

The great grandmother says while she doesn’t think she has done anything extraordinary to live this long, there might be a few contributing factors.

“I think your schooling and the food you eat is important. We have always been very grateful for all that we have – our sunshine, food and climate,” Daphne said.

Daphne was born in the small town of Bangalow, NSW on 21^st May 1925 and some of her most cherished moments are from her father’s time serving during World War I.

“Days like Anzac Day were very important in my life and we had a lot of military friends around which was very special.

“I have been in Brisbane since 1935 and I would have to say my favourite memory was watching soldiers marching down Queen Street.

“I even remember when we had the trams, it was completely different – you had to rug up because they were all open, but they were beautiful.”

Daphne has not only watched Brisbane evolve for the past 90 years but says it’s full of special memories with her late husband Thomas, who she married at Anne St Presbyterian Church when she was 19.

“I used to sit beside my future husband’s sister in school and all she ever spoke about was ‘my brother this and my brother that’.

“I ended up going with my sister to her guitar lessons because my dad said I had to go with her and Thomas would sit next to me. 

“We would spend time together on the weekend and we would go down to Sandgate or Redcliffe and have a picnic."

After celebrating with her family and friends at Bolton Clarke Keperra Sanctuary, Daphne says she is extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to celebrate such an important birthday.