102 years young, great-grandmother Marjorie is a self-described musicophile and mad traveller.

She’s also a much-loved resident at AnglicareSA’s Elizabeth East Residential Aged Care home, having lived there for 12 years.

“I enjoy it here very much,” she said.

“I love going for a daily walk, participating in social activities, listening to classical music in my room, or attending an in-house concert.”

Early life

Born in the Roaring ‘20s in Victoria, Marjorie has lived through many major world events, including the Great Depression, World War Two, and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic.

Looking back on her life, Marjorie said one of her most cherished memories was her time spent in London as a young woman. It was where she met her first husband and where she worked as a nurse at the Florence Nightingale Hospital.

“All the famous people went there – Lady this, and Lady that,” she said.

“I remember that particularly because we had to learn to curtsey.”

Marjorie said the most famous people she had seen at the hospital were members of the British Royal family.

“The former Princess Royal (Princess Mary) was Patroness of the hospital, and we often saw the Queen Mother (Queen Elizabeth II’s mother Elizabeth) passing through the halls.”

Marjorie eventually returned to Australia, moving to Adelaide in 1971, although she never could manage to get rid of her travel bug.

Catching the travel bug

A well-seasoned traveller, Marjorie has visited about 25 countries and said she found it difficult to choose a favourite.

“Every place I went to has its own appeal, and each was my favourite for a different reason.”

Marjorie does not let her age stop her from continuing to travel.

“My brother lives in Perth and cannot travel anymore, which is disappointing,” she said.

“I went over to visit him last year when I turned 101, as he could not attend my 100^th birthday.

“While it is getting more difficult to travel, and there’s a lot of baggage to manage by myself, I will get there if I can.”

Advice for younger generations

Marjorie’s advice for younger generations is to move at a slower pace and be content.

“Just be yourself, seize opportunities when you see them, and be content with what you’ve got.

“Have faith – if you’ve got faith, you will be happy and contented.”