A blooming marvellous 100th birthday affair

Mackay identity says she was ‘blooming’ as friends and family came to wish her a happy birthday

Almira Argent's could only ask 'What have I done to deserve this?' as family and friends gathered on Sunday to celebrate her 100th birthday. Picture: Heidi Petith

ALMIRA Argent was “blooming” as her friends and family wished her a happy 100th birthday at a small party today.

She had woken up near midnight in anticipation of the day, she said.

“I wondered what the time was and I thought to myself, ‘Have I made it?’”

Almira Argent's was driven around the Breezes retirement village in a golf buggy on Sunday as residents wished her a happy 100th birthday. Picture: Heidi Petith

Mrs Argent marvelled over the festivities, which included a golf buggy tour around Breezes retirement village with manager Brad Witt, and was almost lost for words.

“What have I done to deserve all these lovely things, thoughts and flowers?” she said.

FIVE GENERATIONS: Almira Argent’s family, back from left, granddaughter Melissa Doyle with great grandsons Cameron Doyle and Nathan Doyle and, front from left, great granddaughter Sarah Edwards, great great grandson Riley Doyle, great-granddaughter Laura Deguara and her daughter Florence Fortescue. Picture: Heidi Petith

But her family of seven grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren are a testament to the love she has shared and given to others.

“She is an inspiration to us all and dearly loved by everyone,” her granddaughter Melissa Doyle said.

More stories:

Twice the fun: Mackay women celebrate turning 103

Proud mum, grandmother’s 100th birthday in lockdown

Mackay couple celebrates 60 years together

Almira Argent's 100th birthday celebrations included a large photo collage made up of her many memories. Picture: Heidi Petith

Ms Argent was born on the family farm at Pinnacle on May 31, 1920.

“Because I came early, my mother didn’t make it to hospital,” she said.

“I was born on the farm and all the farmers’ wives helped with the birth”.

At 20, she met her lifetime love, Gordon Argent.

“I met him at a (wood) chopping show and it was love at first sight,” she said.

He passed away in 2004.

“He would not believe it if he saw this (party),” Mrs Argent said.

“I know he’s watching.

“He was a marvellous man and he encouraged me to do a lot of things that I couldn’t to before”.

FIVE GENERATIONS: Almira Argent gets to know her great great grandson Riley Doyle, flanked by her great grandson Cameron Doyle, daughter Florence Fortescue and granddaughter Melissa Doyle. Picture: Heidi Petith

Together they ran a dairy farm but Mrs Argent’s true passion was her horses, and she competed and travelled throughout Queensland with hacks and ponies.

“She was well known in the horse world … (and) was one of the founding members of the Mackay Pony Club,” Ms Doyle said.

Subscriber benefits:

How to make the most of your digital subscription

Daily puzzles and Sudoku another reason to stay subscribed

Mrs Argent even met Princess Anne in the 1970s while watching the Princess train her horse in England.

She said the Princess looked her way, asking if she could hear someone Australian.

“I (answered), ‘Yes, all the way from Mackay.”

As to her advice for living a full life, Ms Argent said it was all about loving and helping others.

Originally published as