A RESIDENT of Mount Gambier’s Boandik St Mary’s aged care, Edna Saunders turned 104 last month.
This makes her the oldest ever resident of the facility.
Born on July 2, 1918, Mrs Saunders joined Boandik St Mary’s in 2015 at the age of 97.
When she was born, the First World War was still raging ending with the Armistice being signed in November that year, and Australia’s population was about five million people; today it is five times that at more than 25 million.
In her time, Mrs Saunders has seen the world change significantly and achieved much in the face of adversity, running a substantial dairy farm and sheep herd in Moorak with her family.
It was here that she had a ewe which gave birth to seven lambs, a feat said to have given Mrs Saunders a Guinness World Record.
Her hobbies were sewing, indoor bowls, craft, and social tennis.
In addition, Mrs Saunders helped her community by being involved with the Red Cross and Meals on Wheels.
Nowadays, Mrs Saunders says she enjoys watching football, especially Geelong Football Club, and tennis on television, and reading.
She is considered a wonderful dress-maker, and a great carer to family and friends.
Boandik interim chief executive Glenn Rappensberg wished Mrs Saunders a happy birthday, adding it was hard to comprehend how much the world has changed in the last century.
“Congratulations on an extraordinary achievement, Edna,” Mr Rappensberg said.
“It is hard to comprehend how much the world has changed in 104 years.
“Two World Wars, the emergence of flight, humanity’s first footsteps on the moon, the digital age; all witnessed by Edna.
“And in her own time, extraordinary challenges have been overcome.
“Edna has seen the growth of the Limestone Coast.
“Our residents have such a wealth of wisdom and life experience, and Edna Saunders is no exception to such a rule.
“We are privileged to have them in our care.
“We wish you many more returns, Edna, and again wish you a happy 104th birthday.”
Boandik St Mary’s Residential Manager Joe Renko said staff members at the home had the opportunity to wish Mrs Saunders a happy birthday and “celebrate 104 amazing years of cherished memories”.
“As you celebrate your 104th birthday, I join everyone else in wishing you a happy birthday, lots of happiness, health, and many more birthdays to come,” Mr Renko said.
Boandik St Mary’s Lifestyle Coordinator Cindy Crozier added that Mrs Saunders had been an extremely hard worker on her farm with her late husband, Herb.
“Congratulations Edna on this wonderful milestone,” Mrs Crozier said.
