Williamstown identity and Australia’s oldest female lacrosse club member, Lorna Rolley (nee Saker), last Friday celebrated her 100th birthday.
Born in Williamstown, Mrs Rolley briefly lived in Sydney before returning to Williamstown aged 12. Eldest daughter Susan Rainey said her mother had experienced much in her 100 years and had been open to many changes that came her way.
Ms Rainey said that started with the loss of her mother at the age of 12, with five younger siblings, and then travelling from Sydney to Melbourne on the train to live with their paternal grandmother.
Mrs Rolley has been involved with Electra Street Methodist Church over the many years, from being a Sunday school teacher to these days being a member of the ladies’ guild.
“She has always been active and participated in many sports, including tennis, squash, surfing, bike riding, hiking, basketball, swimming, horse riding and sailing, and is the oldest living female lacrosse player in Australia,” Ms Rainey said.
Mrs Rolley credits her long and healthy life to exercise and living by the sea.
During World War II, her late husband Harry, known as Ted, served in the navy. He passed away in 2012 at the age of 95.
Mrs Rolley lives at Baptcare Westhaven Community in Footscray.
She has three children, seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
