Elizabeth Jordan: Ipswich’s oldest resident celebrates her 110th birthday

Ipswich’s oldest resident has shared the secrets to living a long and joy-filled life, as she celebrates her 110th birthday this weekend.

From two world wars and the Great Depression to a global pandemic, Ipswich’s oldest resident Elizabeth Jordan has seen it all.

Though certainly one of the most momentous occasions she will bear witness to is that of her own.

This weekend, on Saturday January 15, Liz will celebrate her 110th year.

Born in 1912, she is understood to be the seventh oldest person in the country, citing her strong network of family and friends as the reason for her longevity.

Keeping active, not consuming alcohol, and including plenty of fruit and vegetables in her diet have also been key to her long and happy life – these habits instilled in her by her father in her formative years.

Liz was raised in West Ipswich alongside her five siblings, two of whom sadly passed away last year aged 97 and 100.

As the eldest girl in the family, it was Liz’ duty to help in the home. She left school at the age of 14 to do so, marrying a young man named Joseph in her early 20s.

The pair built their first home together in 1936 at Ebbw Vale, where she resided – remarkably – until just last year.

Liz and Joseph had two children, Peter and Valerie, who now live in Brisbane and Melbourne respectively.

She made their house a home by working tirelessly in the garden, cooking elaborate meals, and filling their four walls with love and memories.

Of his childhood home, Liz’ son Peter, 80, remembers a chook run, St Helens’ soccer field, fruit trees, flowering plants, orchards, and a vegetable garden filled with everything from lettuce to tomatoes.

Peter also remembers her sewing clothes for him and his older sister, as well as for others, and making cakes and jams.

“They were devoted parents, churchgoing Christians,” he said.

“They didn’t have a lot of money but they did their best to provide for us.”

Liz’s husband and Peter’s father Joseph was a coalminer until his arthritis developed to the point where he could no longer work and he was forced to take a pension.

Elizabeth Jordan at the 2019 Ipswich Show, where she has entered crafts and baked goods year after year. Picture: Rob Williams

Liz nursed him for 40 years, all the while supporting her family through dressmaking and “down-to-earth” meal choices.

Sadly, Joseph passed away in 1996, aged 87.

Liz has been single since, but has five grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and some lovely friends who keep her company.

Forever busy, Liz is a life member of Ipswich Blue Care nursing service and a member of Dinmore Methodist Church.

Liz has long enjoyed playing lawn bowls, particularly with her great grandchildren. Picture: Supplied

She played the organ and indoor bowls, has led clubs, and – until Covid-19 hit – attended Trinity Ipswich Uniting Church every Sunday.

Peter said his mother has always been fiercely independent, despite the fact she has never owned a car, sewing, knitting, playing tennis, and even mowing her own lawn until she was 99 years old.

She continues to keep active at the Brassall aged care facility where she now lives, playing bingo and attending church services.

Unfortunately, when the pandemic arrived in Queensland, life became quite isolated for Liz.

Liz received countless birthday cards in the lead-up to her 110th birthday, including from Queen Elizabeth II. Picture: Jessica Baker

But determined to keep busy nonetheless, she regularly speaks with friends and family over the phone, on video chat, and in person when possible.

Liz became Australia’s seventh oldest living resident in July last year, after the country’s oldest, Dexter Kruger, died aged 111.

The oldest living Australian is now an unnamed person in Western Australia who is 111 years and 187 days old.