Parkdale’s Catherine Erickson celebrates her 100th birthday, remembering life from serving in WWII to owning a milk bar

“I would do it all again in a heartbeat”, a Parkdale veteran and war widow says as she celebrates her 100th birthday.

Catherine Erickson, a WWII veteran and war widow from Parkdale is celebrating her 100th birthday on January 20. Image: supplied.

A Parkdale woman is remembering a century of life, love and laughter ahead of her 100th birthday celebrations.

Catherine Erickson, or as friends call her Kath, will celebrate her 100th birthday on January 20, surrounded by family and friends.

Catherine Erickson (centre, baby), with her mother, grandmother and great grandmother in 1924.

Born in Murrabit, Ms Erickson started her life in the little town in Victoria’s north along the Murray River, before moving down to Darley, just outside Bacchus Marsh to serve as part of the war effort.

The centenarian served in the World War II in the Women’s Army Corps, based out of Melbourne at the corner of Swanston and Elizabeth St, where she later met her future husband, Stan.

“We only had a few days together when we first met,” Ms Erickson recalled.

“Then he was sent back on the ship to the Coral Sea. Then he would write me letters.”

Their love story didn’t end there. The two would eventually marry, beginning an adventure of their own.

Ms Erickson remembered life fondly, saying she “would do it all over again.”

“Stan was in the navy, so he would write to me from the boat. One day he wrote to me and said my mother should get everything ready,” she said.

“I didn’t think he had such serious intentions, but I definitely did.

“I’d never met another man like him.”

Before making their life together in Parkdale, Mr and Mrs Erickson owned and lived above a milk bar in Carlton’s Drummond St, which they co-owned with another couple.

“We all lived upstairs, Stan and I, and they did with their young baby,” she said.

“We had a lot of fun.”

Catherine Erickson served in WWII as part of the Women’s Army Corps based in Melbourne (pictured marching front right). Picture: Supplied.

Ms Erickson said she didn’t particularly want to celebrate her birthday this year, but her daughter Sue insisted on marking the occasion.

“I didn’t want any fuss made or anyone to go to any trouble,” she said.

“I’ve already had so many birthdays, what’s another one?”

Ms Erickson will be joined by her close family and friends on Saturday afternoon to celebrate her birthday, with some guests making a trip interstate to celebrate the very special lady.

“But it will be nice to see some of my friends and family who I don’t get to see very often.”

Coming full circle, Ms Erickson said she had enjoyed her 100 years.

“Some times have been better than others of course,” she said.

“But I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.”