Dorothy Neilson turns 103 this Saturday, January 27, but the celebrations started early.
Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow residents at her home in the Whiddon Easton Park residential care facility at Glenfield, Dorothy was the life of the party.
She says having an occasional glass of beer and simply taking life as it comes is her secret to a long and happy life.
Dorothy also says she loves one-on-one conversation with other residents and her care team, delighting in getting to meet new members of the Whiddon community.
Whiddon CEO Chris Mamarelis and deputy CEO Alyson Jarrett both attended Dorothy’s birthday celebrations earlier this week.
“You don’t realise what a privilege it is to celebrate a centenarian’s birthday with them until you experience it first hand,’’ says Chris Mamarelis.
“Believe it or not we have been celebrating these amazing birthdays with Dorothy for over a decade at Whiddon and this week the beautiful Dorothy turned 103 years young.
“We heard stories, laughed, and celebrated with friends and family.
“It’s hard to explain but at 103 Dorothy has a contagious positive energy and just knocks you over with that beautiful smile.
“Happy birthday Dorothy, you are an absolute inspiration to us all and I’m so glad you came into our lives.’’
Dorothy has been a resident at Whiddon Easton Park since September 2008 following the passing of her husband.
Her two daughters, Ruth and Kath, who visit almost every day, shared in her 103rd birthday celebrations, pictured above.
Her extended family includes four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Even at 103 Dorothy remains an avid musician and plays the miniature boomerang mouth organ, while her favourite hobbies at Whiddon include attending concerts and participating in games of Uno and bingo.
Dorothy will officially mark her 103rd birthday this Saturday, January 27.
