Geelong’s Mary Hagebols celebrates 100th birthday
At 100, Mary Hagebols has spent a century in Geelong as the family’s go-to news source, passionate Cats supporter, and beloved community member whose warmth has touched countless lives.
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Mary Hagebols has called Geelong home for all of her 100 years, watching her beloved city grow and change around her.
Born Mary Dempsey on July 15, 1925 at her family’s Geelong West home, she was the eldest of seven children and now the sole surviving sibling.
Mrs Hagebols will celebrate her 100th birthday on Tuesday.
She went to St Patrick’s Primary School before completing her secondary schooling at St Agnes Ladies College.
When World War II broke out, Mrs Hagebols was called to serve as an invisible mender at the Federal Mills where she crafted uniforms for soldiers.
She remained at her family home until meeting and marrying Herman Hagebols, the love of her life.
Together they built their forever home in Hamlyn Heights, where they shared 60 years of married life before Mr Hagebols died in 2016.
A dedicated community member, Mrs Hagebols volunteered for many years at Geelong hospital.
She was known for her warmth and kindness and was always open for a chat and a cup of tea.
Now living in residential care, Mrs Hagebols continues to keep her mind sharp and her social life full.
She is an avid reader of the Geelong Advertiser and has had the paper delivered for 60 years.
Mrs Hagebols’ niece, Mary-Cath Murray, and nephew, Tom Dempsey, said their aunt was a passionate news reader and always in the know.
“If we want to know what’s happening in Geelong, we just ask Mary,” Ms Murray said.
“If she is not calling someone, there is someone calling her.”
Also a proud and passionate Geelong Cats supporter, Mrs Hagebols makes sure she never misses a game.
Originally published as Geelong’s Mary Hagebols celebrates 100th birthday
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