KATHLEEN Stevens was born just months after Griffith was proclaimed, but she’s still sharp as a tack.
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She celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday with family and friends, admitting “it’s just another day”.
While Mrs Stevens didn’t want to make too much fuss about her big day, she still celebrated in style and family and friends packed Pioneers Lodge to help celebrate her milestone birthday on Saturday. "My favourite moment from my birthday was being able to say hello to everyone - some people I hadn't seen for a long long time," Mrs Stevens said.
"It was an absolute joy to have them all together … it was lovely.”
However, Griffith’s newest centenarian said she only feels one day older and was surprised by all the effort everyone went to. "I was a bit bemused because there was so much fuss and celebrations, but I enjoyed it, I did enjoy it,” she said.
When one of Mrs Stevens great grandsons asked ‘well do you feel any older’ the centenarian simply said “no, it’s just another day.”
Ms Stevens’ daughter, Kay Borland, said she didn't dare throw a surprise birthday and made sure to run everything by her mother ‘every step of the way’.
“Mum didn’t think she deserved anything special and even though I passed everything by her, she was still surprised on the day and she didn't expect what she received,” Mrs Borland said.
“It was not just another day, it was an incredibly special and unique day and it was important to celebrate her 100th birthday and for her to be able to enjoy it with us.”
Helping Mrs Stevens celebrate her birthday lunch were 65 guests including representatives from Legacy, who presented her with flowers and a certificate.
Before Saturday’s celebration, Mrs Stevens kicked-off her birthday celebrations on Tuesday with a ‘huge cake’ replacing the usual scones during afternoon tea.
"They gave me a huge cake and we had that on Tuesday which I got to share with everyone and it was beautiful," Mrs Stevens said.
“Oh dear, they were nice cakes but I am all caked-out now."
Mrs Stevens’ room is now filled from the floor to the ceiling with numerous balloons, flowers and cards.
“One of the cards is from the Queen,” Mrs Stevens said.
"I am pleased to hear that you are celebrating your one hundredth birthday, my sincere congratulations and best wishes on this very special day," the card from the Queen reads.
“Isn’t that lovely, isn't the Queen just so beautiful,” Mrs Stevens said.
“I am so blessed to have so many people make my day special.”