By Xavier Smerdon
A WERRIBEE resident is proving that the good do not always die young.
Violet Ruby Walsh was born in Footscray on 11 April 1911.
One hundred years later and the care-free and soon-to-be centurion is ready to celebrate a milestone birthday.
Ms Walsh’s daughter Joan Feehan said she was proud of her mother for the long life she has lived.
“She never complains about anything, I’m very lucky that way,” Ms Feehan said.
“She’s been a good mum. I could always go to her if I had a problem.”
When Violet was nine-years-old her mother passed away and she was sent to live with her aunty.
It was this experience that she claims made her a stronger person.
“I had to find my own way,” Ms Walsh said.
Violet lived most of her life in Brooklyn and was an inaugural member of the Footscray RSL along with her husband George.
She had a wide range of jobs in her 100 years including working in a fruit shop, a butchers shop and making lipsticks.
As for the secret to a long and healthy life, Violet said she has little knowledge to offer.
“God only knows,” she said.
“I did everything. I lived a full life.”
Daughter Joan said it was an ability to take everything in her stride that had kept her healthy.
“She’s never been a worry and she’s never been a gossip,” she said.
“She’s never been a woman to want a lot of fancy things around either.”
Violet has one daughter, two granddaughters, two great- granddaughters and one great- great grandson.
“I’m quite proud that we have five generations alive today,” Ms Feehan said.
