Lifelong Geelong resident Mardi McDonald celebrates 100th birthday
At 100 years young, Mardi McDonald has lived a very full life. She’s reflected on her decades, and given advice on staying young at heart.
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At 100 years young, Mardi McDonald has lived a very full life.
Ms McDonald marked her 100th birthday on July 6 and celebrated with 160 friends and relatives on July 9.
She said the highlights of her life were the births of her five children – first a girl, then boy, followed by another girl, and then twin boys.
“They have been the delight of my life,” she said.
“I’m very blessed that they’ve been wonderful children, and grown into responsible adults.”
Ms McDonald has been a lifelong resident of Geelong, attending St Mary’s Primary School and Sacred Heart College.
She said many of the girls she walked home with in those days were still her friends today.
Ms McDonald started her working life at Commonwealth Bank before going to work at the ABC cafe.
She said she saw businessmen and all of the city’s major clubs go there for dinner.
When new cinema the Corio Theatre opened, where Market Square now stands, Ms McDonald joined the team and worked there for more than a decade, until she got married.
She continued to contribute to the community through volunteer work, starting at a dialysis centre making lunches and cups of tea for patients.
“There was one man who was more affected than the other, I would stay and do a crossword every day with him,” she said.
“I did that for many years until Barwon Health took over.
“Then I came to volunteer at St John of God hospital (at the kiosk).
“I hope I’ve helped people through the years.”
Over her lifetime, Ms McDonald said she’d seen many changes, including cars replacing horses and buggies, and trams coming and going.
She said the key to staying young through the decades was to look on the bright side of life and be kind.
“Kindness can go a long way,” she said.
“If you’re kind to people and smile through, the world would be a better place.”
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Originally published as Lifelong Geelong resident Mardi McDonald celebrates 100th birthday
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