Born in Darwin on May 8, 1920, to English parents Esther and Arthur, Win was the second eldest of eight children.
She has many happy memories of her childhood, including stealing fruit from a neighbouring orchard.
Although very strict, her dad worked hard to provide for the family.
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Win recalls him mending their shoes and going without dinner so they had enough food.
Her mum always made ends meet, sewing their clothes and growing their food.
“Mum had plenty of friends because she was such a wonderful cook,” Win said.
The impact of World War II left its mark on her family and Win said she saw lots of changes through the Depression years.
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She would meet and marry a Des, a policeman and the love of her life.
Win said the secret to a long marriage was to "feed him properly and keep him on a long rope".
Win said she had lived a very happy life, with all the love under the sun.
“You must have a good sense of humor - or you might as well be dead,” she said.
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Win and Des never had children, but cared for their nieces and nephews, who enjoyed being allowed to run free.
The couple moved a lot and Win enjoyed being in a new place because: "if they didn’t know about you, they couldn’t talk about you.”Friends Bev and Stan Gardner have known Win for 50 years, having met through the Kerang butcher shop where Bev’s dad worked.
Bev remembers fondly the many shopping trips, pokies outings and lunches with Win.
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Win has been involved with the Senior Citizens Singers, Ladies Group and Happy Hour.
She still enjoys a glass of wine with dinner, and appreciates a quality cream sherry.Win likes AFL footy and is a Western Bulldogs supporter, although she still calls the team Footscray.
She also enjoys knitting, being pampered and getting her hair done.
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Win says she feels alive – and she had everything she ever needed.
She appreciates a laugh with cheeky limericks and jokes.
Her favourite saying is: “Only the good die young, but I’m still here! I mustn’t have been very good…”
Win had a message for her nieces and nephews.
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“I love you and thank you for always hanging around and looking after me,” she said.Congratulations Win on your 100th birthday, from everyone at Estia and at The Ensign.
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