When Thelma Powell blew out the candles on her 100th birthday cake on Monday, she did it in the same suburb where she was born a century ago.
Surrounded by family, friends, Footscray MP Katie Hall, Maribyrnong mayor Mohamed Semra, and representatives from her beloved Western Bulldogs, Ms Powell celebrated her centenary with a party at the BaptistCare Westhaven aged care home on 9 February.
Born in Footscray in 1926, Ms Powell has lived through the Depression, the war years and everything since.
As a young woman, she attended Footscray North State School before training in dressmaking and tailoring at the School of Domestic Arts, now known as Footscray High.
During World War II, she did her bit for the war effort in a Footscray factory that recycled men’s suits, turning old fabric into new garments.
Post-war, her adventurous spirit took her on a sailing trips to Western Australia and Cairns, catching the track back home both times.
Later, she he spent years running the cafeteria at Tangambalanga School in Victoria’s Kiewa Valley, before returning to Footscray to care for her ageing father.
Following his death, she worked at the Palms Motel and became an active member of the local senior citizens.
Her nephew, Greg Powell, said his aunt has lived a life of service to family and community.
“Thelma has been a loving sister, aunt and great aunty to her family as well as being a dedicated volunteer throughout her life,” he said.
“Not to mention a passionate Footscray-Western Bulldogs supporter.”
