Dorothy Westwood says the secret to a long life is simple – no smoking, no drinking, hard work and a bit of food.
And the Traralgon resident should know; she will celebrate her 100th birthday next Monday.
Nell, as she’s known to friends and family, was born in Sale on 28 March 1916.
A music teacher by profession, it was through her love of dancing where she met husband Roy at a local dance.
The two married in 1938 and had six children Marjory (deceased), Colin, Nancy, Heather, Beverley and Trevor.
“We met on the dance floor at Willung, and then we had all these kids, a whole stack of them,” Nell said.
The family lived in Carrajung Lower, milking cows before moving to Won Wron in 1954.
Twelve years later the couple moved to Gormandale, and then settled in Traralgon in 2000.
Roy passed away in 2002.
A passionate football fan, Nell follows “Essendon, always” but isn’t quite sure why.
“I don’t know why, I don’t know any of them,” she said.
Locally she supports Gormandale, and enjoys attending the weekly games.
“She loves her footy, she will fall asleep then wake up and abuse the umpires,” daughter Beverley said.
Sketching, sewing and writing poetry were favourite pastimes of Nell’s, as too was the unusual art of taxidermy.
However, these days mystery bus trips, watching sport and spending time with family top the list.
Her family, all five generations and 73 members of it, and friends will gather on Sunday for an afternoon birthday celebration at the Traralgon Showgrounds social room, corner of Shakespeare and Whittakers roads.
The celebration will take place from 1pm to 4pm and about 300 people are expected to attend.
Those who know Nell are welcome to go along.
