PENOLA’S Mona Adeline Mattner celebrated a milestone last month as she reached 100 years of age.
Ms Mattner had a fitting day of celebrations with family and friends on December 27, sharing a lunch at Pinchunga Aged Care Facility while each had a photograph with her.
Cutting one of her two cakes, Ms Mattner shared the tradition of blowing out candles with her grandchildren and grand nieces and nephews as residents and staff of Pinchunga toasted her on the achievement.
Later in the day, relatives and friends met again with Ms Mattner at the Royal Oak Hotel for speeches and dinner with her daughter Sandra Young speaking of her mother’s life.
Having interviewed her 11 years ago, Ms Young was able to bring to light stories of her life that Ms Mattner’s siblings did not know including going to art school.
Ms Young also spoke highly of her mother, describing her as resourceful and caring.
Ms Mattner’s two remaining siblings spoke about her childhood and how she would race the boys from her neighbourhood on her horse coming back from confirmation classes.
Ms Mattner grew up on a farm outside of Tanunda where she had four sisters and five brothers.
Her son in law spoke of her great chicken sandwiches which lured him into the Mattner family by marrying Ms Mattner’s first daughter Kathryn.
Anna Young, the first grandchild of Ms Mattner recited her poem about her including M for maternal, O for outfits, N for nourishment and A for acceptance.
Her second grandchild Elizabeth Young gave a presentation of her grandmother’s loving care and how special she has been in all lives.
The speeches also emphasised Ms Mattner’s great faith in God as her protector and her ability to be a hard worker, thrifty, resilient and to always get on with life after sad and difficult times.
Ms Mattner has received nine official letters – including one from Queen Elizabeth – which were all on display during the day with memorabilia of her life.
Elizabeth modelled her grandmother’s wedding dress made of silk satin with a long train and gloves with the day being a wonderful celebration for Ms Mattner and her friends and family.
