Being Happy: Margaret Turns 100

Margaret is our newest 100 club resident, she turned 100 on 29 April 2026 and when asked what her secret was to reaching this milestone her answer was simple “I don’t know, it just came. Being happy, maybe.”

Born in 1926, Margaret grew up in Clarence Street, Bellerive in Hobart. Her family used the ferries to cross the river for work and school, and the Depression cast a dark shadow over her early years.

Life was hard in the same way it was for many families throughout that time, but Margaret remembers it differently “it was good and I had good people around me.”

She found love through dancing. Herbert, the great love of her life was a baker from Sheffield who was boarding in Hobart with his sister just a few doors up from Margaret’s family home. The two met and that was it; they married.

Margaret will tell you that her wedding day remains the most special day of her life. When asked what moment she would return to if she could, she says the same. As her what advice she would give and she says, “a happy marriage.”

Herbert and Margaret built a life together – in 1963 and 1964 they bought a block of land and built their dream home.

She raised her children, kept busy knitting and took pride in the life she built around her.

Her 21st birthday also holds a special place in her memory, a special moment of celebration she wishes everyone could experience.

Margaret calls Derwent Views home and knows she is well looked after there. She enjoys all types of music and says she lived her life with no regrets!

One hundred years of happiness, a good life, love, great people and simple pleasures.

On 29 April, Margaret’s 100th birthday was celebrated at the home with family, friends, residents and staff all joining in.

Respect marked the occasion with a hamper of some of her favourite things, including knitting wool, a knitting bag to carry it in, a couple of lovely new tops and some chocolates.

The perfect way to celebrate a happy woman who brings so much joy to us all at Derwent Views. Happy 100th Birthday Margaret.