Renowned Yeppoon seamstress Thelma Eisenman celebrates 107th birthday

A peaceful soul born the same year WWI ended has revealed what has gotten her to this milestone.

Capricorn Coast resident and former seamstress Thelma Eisenman has turned 107.

Once officially crowned the ‘Belle of the Ball’, 107-year-old Thelma Eisenman’s glow and style has never dimmed as years have gone by.

The former Yeppoon seamstress chalked up her long life to several factors.

“I enjoyed my independence far too much for marriage, I could make my own money and was far too busy, perhaps that’s why I have lived so long,” she said.

Ms Eisenman marked the milestone by celebrating with family and friends at the Capricorn Gardens Retirement Village recently.

Born in Emerald on March 4, 1918, to father Les and mother Elizabeth, Ms Eisenman said she was raised in a loving household with sister Dorothy and brother Morris and always ate wholesome food and enjoyed her life.

Capricorn Coast resident and former seamstress Thelma Eisenman has turned 107.

She was educated in Emerald by the Presentation Nuns and has only fond memories of the kindness and compassion they showed her.

“I remember school holidays in Yeppoon and Emu Park with the nuns in the dressing huts changing their habits out for neck to knee swimwear then splashing away carefree in the water, it was so much fun,” Ms Eisenman said.

From her earliest memories Ms Eisenman said she loved to sew, dance, sing, perform and play the piano.

Ms Eisenman maintained her love of music throughout the years and continued to play the organ until recently.

However, it was her love for sewing which arguably shaped her life the most.

This passion was helped along by Ms Eisenman’s mother, who imparted her knowledge of dressmaking, which led to her daughter becoming a seamstress of much renown.

Ms Eisenman made a name for herself with her beautiful work and went on to make stunning bridal gowns, ball gowns and dresses.

Capricorn Coast resident and former seamstress Thelma Eisenman as a baby.

Ms Eisenman didn’t just make stunning clothes, she wore them to the many dances and balls she attended and she was once named ‘Belle of the Ball’ in one of her own creations.

Still to this day, Ms Eisenman likes to dress her best with accessories, jewellery, and makeup for outings or when visitors drop by.

Ms Eisenman moved from Emerald, first to Rockhampton and then to Gladstone, where her family settled down.

Ms Eisenman never married, something which she said she never had time for, despite being courted by many men.

“I’ve had a good life; I loved going to dances and to the outdoor movies especially in the rain,” she said.

“I had lots of beautiful friends and of course, a wonderful family.”

Living for more than a century has meant that Ms Eisenman has seen many things change and she said the most impressive invention throughout her long life were talkies (movies with sound).

Capricorn Coast resident and former seamstress Thelma Eisenman is celebrating her birthday milestone.

“It took a bit of getting used to, but I think that is one of the best inventions I have seen over the years,” she said.

Ms Eisenman continued to live with her mother, father, and sister in Gladstone and when her mother passed away, she remained with her sister Dorothy to care for their father until he also died.

Ms Eisenman and her sister continued to share a home until Dorothy passed away several years ago.

She remained in the home with supported living until it became difficult on her own.

However, niece Helen Dendle and husband Rodney stepped in and welcomed her into their home in Yeppoon where she was happy to enjoy the sea views, play the organ and be pampered by loving family.

Ms Eisenman then moved to Capricorn Gardens Retirement Village where she permanently resides.

Capricorn Coast resident and former seamstress Thelma Eisenman with Nigel Hutton

Keppel MP Nigel Hutton presented Thelma with a very special certificate of congratulations along with a bunch of flowers for her birthday.

Mr Hutton said it was an honour to acknowledge such a remarkable member of our region who provides a living example of how living a happy and healthy life can lead to longevity.

“Thelma is an amazing lady who has lived a full life and continues to inspire with her beautiful smile and a legacy of helping family and community,” Mr Hutton said.

“I take my hat off to Thelma as she celebrates 107 years of life.”