By ALESHA CAPONE
Norah Ward will soon turn 100 years old. 100911 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
GREAT-grandmother Norah Ward is a bright and lively lady with a wonderful memory of her long life.
Mrs Ward, a resident at Cumberland Manor in Sunshine North, will soon celebrate her 100th birthday.
Mrs Ward was born in England on 2 July in 1913 – the same year the parachute, windscreen wipers and stainless steel were all invented.
She lived in Deer Park for 60 years, before moving into Cumberland Manor.
Mrs Ward said she came to Australia after her husband John gained a job as a bassoonist with the air force.
The couple had three sons – John, Terry and Colin.
Nowadays, Mrs Ward has seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Mrs Ward can recall living through World War II in Britain.
“I remember walking down a lane with John in a pram, with bombs flying and someone yelled, ’Get under the hedge’,” she said.
In addition, Mrs Ward has fond memories of her earlier days.
“It was different. It was much quieter and easier, we didn’t have people murdering each other and drinking like they do these days,” she said.
“I loved school, I didn’t want to stay away.
“I used to like writing, I was good at writing when I was younger, but not any more because I have arthritis.”
As her sons grew older, Mrs Ward obtained employment at a government office in Footscray.
Her last job was at the Albion Explosives factory in Deer Park, where she “spent 13 years running the tuckshop.”
These days Mrs Ward is an active member of the Deer Park Senior Citizens Club.
She enjoys playing bingo and is a big fan of the television show ‘Home and Away’.
Mrs Ward said she was the eldest of seven brothers and sisters, who had now all passed away.
“I don’t know the secret to living to 100,” she said.
“But I don’t smoke and I didn’t drink intoxicating drinks.”
Mrs Ward said she recently hit her head when she put a cup on the ground.
“They said I didn’t hurt myself too badly. I must be made of bricks,” she said.
