She Did it Her Way – Elma Turns 100!

Reaching 100 years of age is no small feat, and Elma credits her longevity to hard work, self‑care, and steering clear of alcohol. “No booze and I have worked very hard. Looked after myself,” she says with simplicity.

In December, Elma celebrated her 100th birthday with a high‑tea style event at our Mt St Vincent home in West Ulverstone – a fitting tribute to a woman who has always appreciated the small pleasures of good company, good conversation, and a touch of elegance. 

Known as “Elly” in her school days in Ulverstone, she grew up surrounded by family and the rhythms of everyday life. Her early working years took her to Melbourne, where she worked in restaurants owned by Tony Charlton and even cared for his home – work she remembers with pride and purpose. 

Elma fondly recalls meeting the love of her life, though marriage wasn’t part of that story. Her greatest joy came later, welcoming her two children, Wayne and Denise, alongside her husband. She lights up when speaking about them and says she would gladly relive those years if she could. 

Music has always been close to her heart. She still enjoys the classics – Bing Crosby, Perry Como, and the timeless “I Did It My Way.” Sport has also been a constant, from watching football and cricket on television to cheering on her children, both tennis players.

Elma’s world is full of small delights: cats, winter flowers – especially daffodils, and anything in yellow, her favourite colour. Her sister Berris remains a regular visitor, often bringing along a Woman’s Day magazine for Elma to enjoy. Staff describe her as someone who “loves a joke and a bit of fun,” a quality that continues to endear her to everyone around her. 

She still enjoys having her hair coloured and set, a ritual that brings her comfort and confidence. And while dizzy spells sometimes make her hesitant to join activities, gentle encouragement often sees her participating in discussions, music sessions, and beauty therapy. 

When asked if there was anything she wished she had tried but didn’t, her answer is simple: “Nothing.” For Elma, life has been full enough. 

To her, respect means “a lot”, a value she embodies daily in her interactions with others. 

Now, surrounded by the caring community at Mt St Vincent, Elma continues to inspire with her resilience, honesty, and devotion to family. One hundred years on, she remains unmistakably herself – steady, warm, and wonderfully grounded.