Ace Breaking News – Today marks Noela Hellyer’s 100th birthday, but for all that time, she has never had a birthday party of her own.
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SA woman turns 100 on Christmas Day with a special birthday party of her own
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10h ago
Mrs Hellyer was born in Mount Gambier on December 25, 1924, and every year since her birthday has been shared with Christmas celebrations.
Today she will celebrate her centenary with family and friends at her son Darryl Hellyer’s house in South Australia’s south-east.
“I feel privileged to get to this age and to be having a good birthday,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing all my friends and family.”
Tough life with hard work
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Mr Hellyer is determined to make sure today’s party is more for his mother than for Christmas.
“She’s never actually had a birthday party as such, so that’s what she’s going to get,” he said.
“We’ll make her sit down and [we’ll] wait on her for a change,” daughter-in-law Sue Hellyer added.
Mrs Hellyer grew up during the Great Depression, left school at 14 years of age, and then got married at 18 during World War II.
Her husband, Ron Hellyer, left for war just eight days after their wedding, and soon after Mrs Hellyer’s eldest son Max was born.
Mrs Hellyer with her son Darryl, now 78, son Greg and husband Ron (both deceased), and son Max, now 81. (Supplied: Noela Hellyer)normal
She usually took charge of making Christmas lunch for her large extended family.
“When I was young things were tough,” Mrs Hellyer said.
“We didn’t get much at all, but I always loved Christmas Day.
“And then, of course, I’ve grown up, got married, and then as I got older I used to have all the families come to my place for lunch.
“It was hard work but I loved it. I loved Christmas Day.”
‘Battle through’ to 100
Mrs Hellyer now lives at the Boandik St Mary’s aged care home in Mount Gambier.
Cancer in her mouth has made it hard for her to smile, but nurse Emma Outtram said the birthday girl was a “beautiful, beautiful lady”.
“She’s pretty witty,” Ms Outtram said. “She likes to have a good joke with us.”
Mrs Hellyer received a birthday card from her local MP but is looking forward to another from King Charles. (Supplied: Boandik)normal
Mrs Hellyer does not have any particular tips for getting to 100, although she noted her mother lived to 97.
She said she did not drink much alcohol since it now took her two days to finish a stubbie of beer.
“Just keep on living. Keep on going. Don’t give up,” she said.
“Life goes on so you’ve got to go on.
“It can be tough, it can be good, but you’ve got to just battle through it.”
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