Sylvia Jessop’s secret to living beyond 100

Coral Cove resident Sylvia Jessop reflects on a full and happy life as she approaches her 101st birthday, which the living legend will celebrate with multiple generations of her family. Read the touching tribute to a great lady:

A century of living is a milestone few will be able to boast of, but Coral Cove living legend Sylvia Jessop is looking to do one better.

Mrs Jessop will celebrate her 101st birthday on Wednesday, July 20, with five generations of her family and friends.

Described by her daughter Fay East as a “very gentle lady who is loved by so many,” Mrs Jessop has led an inspiring life that included more than two decades of work at Sterling Pharmaceuticals.

After finishing school at the age of 14 in Parramatta, Mrs Jessop took on work at the local cotton mill before moving into pharmaceuticals.

“That’s how it was in those days, and I wanted to get a job,” she said.

Sylvia Jessop and her husband Arthur spent more than three decades on the Gold Coast before he died.

Mrs Jessop was also a life long dancer, dancing right up until she was 86 years old.

She remains an avid tennis fan and since she stopped playing in her 70s, she continues to stay up late to watch tournaments.

Since her retirement in her early 60s, Mrs Jessop has dedicated her time to her large family, which includes four living children, 15 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 17 great great grandchildren.

She also embarked on a sightseeing tour of Australia with her husband Arthur, and after his passing 34 years ago continued her travels with her daughters.

Mrs Jessop and her daughters travelled around Singapore and Hong Kong, and went on several cruises.

Sylvia Jessop (front) and her two daughters Gloria Clarke (right) and Fay East (left) spent time abroad on cruise ships.

“Only for the daughters, otherwise I wouldn’t have got there,” she said.

She said if she could go anywhere again she would love to return to North America, and visit Canada.

On her secret to living such a long life Mrs Jessop kept it short and sweet.

“A good life and good food,” she said.

“I’ve never been a drinker or a smoker, so that might have helped me.”

She also credited her continued health and longevity to her daughter Fay East, who she now lives with at Coral Cove.

Sylvia Jessop loves to spend time with her family (from left) Sylvia, Fay and her husband Larry East, Gloria and husband Fred Clarke and Julie East, and took many weekend trips to areas like Wisemans Ferry.

The mother daughter pair share a beachfront home with 190 degree ocean views that Mrs Jessop calls “their piece of heaven”.

Mrs Jessop lived independently until she was 96, when she moved in with her daughter Mrs East.

“She’s very alert mentally, I will forget things and she will tell me,” said Mrs East.

On her long and full life Mrs Jessop said she had no regrets.

“She is so loved by everybody, she’s had a good fulfilling life,” Mrs East said.

Mrs Jessop will be celebrating her birthday with her family this year in Bargara.