Winifred Jemmeson celebrated her 100th birthday with friends and family, including daughters Mary, Kathleen and Jacki.
By Lia Bichel
DON’T smoke, don’t drink, and keep yourself busy.
These are the secrets to longevity, according to Winifred Jemmeson, who celebrated her 100th birthday on Tuesday.
Family and friends squeezed like sardines into Mrs Jemmeson’s Dandenong house on Sunday for an early celebration, where she was presented with balloons, stacks of birthday cards, a beautifully decorated cake and congratulatory letters from the Premier and the Queen.
In a century, Mrs Jemmeson has made many close friendships from all over Victoria.
She grew up near Johnsonville with young brother Percy and said she remembered having to walk two and a half miles to school every day with fellow classmates.
After moving to Orbost when she was 12, the pair rode a pony four miles to school every day.
Mrs Jemmeson said she was always active and involved in plenty of sports at Orbost Higher Elementary School, which was a trait she carried with her throughout life.
She loved golfing, running, and playing bowls – which she continued to do until six years ago. “I tried to stay busy as much as I could,” she said.
“But I’ve slowed down now.”
Mrs Jemmeson said surrounding herself with a loving family was another secret to a long and happy life.
“I have had a great life.”
