By KATRINA BRANDON
A CUP of coffee brandy a day keeps the age away, according to 102-year-old resident at Latrobe Valley Village (LVV), Mary Harrison.
On January 13, Mary celebrated her 102nd birthday with her family.
Mary was born on January 13, 1922 in Stalybridge, England, and later went to one of the local schools.
At 14, Mary left school to work with her mother in a cotton mill until she married.
Throughout the years, Mary loved to sing in bars and clubs. Now in LVV, she enjoys the pleasure of performers that come in from time to time, ranging from classic rock to musical theatre.
Throughout her home, Mary kept it lively with the occasional practice with a friend who played the piano. She also enjoyed the occasional lawn bowls, which she still enjoys watching.
Mary has four children, seven grandchildren (with another on the way) and eight great-grandchildren (and a ninth on the way). The age difference between Mary’s youngest family member and herself is 100 years.
More than 30 years ago, Mary came to Australia with the Families Together Program after she became widowed, and most of her family was already living in Gippsland.
At the age of 99, Mary realised that she needed more help, and then chose to live at LVV.
Now, she likes walking and bingo, and loves watching birds.
While living in Newborough, she used to buy bird seed and feed the local birds who hung around her home.
Mary told the Latrobe Valley Express that she enjoys living at LVV with the company of 99 other residents, plus those working at the village.
“This is the best place I have ever known. All the girls here deserve a medal because they are such good carers who will do anything for you. I couldn’t be in a better place,” she said.
Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron came to celebrate Mary’s incredible milestone last month.
Mr Cameron awarded her her a memento, celebrating her success in reaching 102.
