By Jane Barraclough
EILEEN May Ryan, one of the Shire of Yarra Ranges’ oldest residents, last week celebrated her centenary in style.
The good-natured great grand mother was surrounded by family and friends as she reminisced about her younger years.
Eileen turned 100 on Monday 26 May which kick started what led to a three-day celebration.
She shared her triple digit birthday with friends and family, not to mention a group of curious school kids who were excited to meet a woman almost a century their senior.
Her son David Ryan attributes his mother’s longevity to virtuous habits such as hard work, walking and devoting her time to others.
Mr Ryan also attributed her longevity to abstinence from smoking or drinking.
He called his mother a “darling” and said she was loved by everyone she meets and that she had never said a cross word about anyone.
Eileen was born in Rutherglen but moved to Melbourne with her family as a teenager.
Mr Ryan said his mother was always her happiest when helping people in need.
She spent many years looking after others by day and her family at night.
Eileen worked as a cook at the Mornington Bush Nursing Home between shifts as a dedicated mother.
“She would walk to work at 4.30am, cook breakfast for residents then dash home to feed kids then back to work again,” Mr Ryan said.
Eileen has also spent many years volunteering for the Red Cross.
“Everyone who meets her loved her,” Mr Ryan said.
Eileen has two children, four grand children, and six great grand children.
Long life of help
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