A life-long love of dance and the care of her family have paved the way for a happy 100 years for Yarraville’s Mary Lester.
The sprightly centenarian, who reached the magic milestone on Monday, said she had been delighted to receive a letter from the Queen to mark the occasion.
“I was very surprised, I wasn’t expecting it because I didn’t think she did that any more.”
A special afternoon tea party for Mary was held with other residents at Doutta Galla Aged Services on Monday, following a tea party with family on Sunday afternoon.
Mary said although it has been 40 years since her retirement, she has always remained very active.
“Ever since I was eight years old when I ran in my very first inter-schools championship, I have loved to be active,” she said.
“I went to my first gym when I was nine and I kept going right through until I was 91. I did a lot of ballroom dancing and would even dance here when they had entertainment.”
Mary grew up in London and moved to Australia in 1983 to be closer to her only daughter.
She now enjoys nothing more than seeing her family and keeping up with news about their lives.
“All my interest is in seeing my daughter and two grandsons and great-grandchildren who come here to visit me,” she said.
“I don’t think many great-grandparents get the chance to see their great-grandchildren in the same way.”
