Young at Heart – Dot Celebrated 100 Years

Dot was born on 7 April 1926 and has packed more into her century than most people could manage in two lifetimes. 

She has been a farmer, welfare officer, mother of five, poet, storyteller and one of Cedar Place’s most enthusiastic residents participating in almost everything the home has to offer!

She grew up in Parkes before moving to Sydney, finishing school, completing business college and landing an office job. It was in her teen years that she met Dudley – who would be her husband in later years, he was from Kempsey.

The two stayed together through the long stretch during the war when Dudley served with the Air Force in New Guinea. When he came home, they married, built their first home and started a family. 

Sydney seemed like it would be home for good, but Dudley’s health had other ideas. They sold up and moved to Euroka, where Dudley’s father owned two properties.

Dot threw herself into farm life, learning about cows, milking and everything that came with it. As the family grew they moved to the larger property and kept going. “We had five wonderful children – one daughter and four sons,” said Dot. 

When the children left home and started families of their own, Dot and Dudley moved into town. She found work relieving office staff at the local hospital – working there on Sundays. 

When a social worker position was filled, Dot was asked to be the assistant. It was the beginning of something new. After the social worker resigned, Dot became the Welfare Officer, a role that opened her eyes to the full range of human experience and that she took on the role helping people get their lives back on track.

She said “I belonged to many organisations supporting people in trouble.” 

After Dudley passed away and her children settled in towns of their own, Dot made the decision to move to Cedar Place.

She has not slowed down. She joins in activities, writes poems and short stories, goes on bus trips and watches movies. She is, in her own words, a busy lady. 

On 7 April 2026, Dot celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by people who love her.

Her children David, Keith and Anne came, along with eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, for a long weekend of fun together. The day also included a visit from the ladies of Legacy and time spent with her close friend Anne.

The celebration was marked by a beautiful cake, 100 balloons and a high tea in her honour. The family also took a moment to remember her son Richard, who passed away recently. 

When asked her about age and she will tell you it is just a number. “I feel young in my heart,” she says. “Enjoy life, there’s so much to interest you.”