Beatrice Tessier celebrates 100th birthday

A much-loved Far North teacher and pioneer in local government has reached the remarkable milestone of living for a century.

Great-grandmother Beatrice Tessier, who was the first woman elected to Douglas Shire Council, recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Picture: Supplied

A former Far North schoolteacher and Douglas Shire’s first female councillor recently celebrated her 100th birthday.

Great-grandmother Beatrice Tessier marked her milestone birthday with a high tea with family and friends at Carinity Cedarbrook aged care community on the Gold Coast.

Great-grandmother Beatrice Tessier, who was the first woman elected to Douglas Shire Council and is pictured here at a council meeting, recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Picture: Supplied

Born in Bundaberg in 1923, her life’s passion was education and at the age of 14 she moved to Warwick to become a teacher.

During a teaching career which spanned half a century, Mrs Tessier taught at schools in Warwick, Toowoomba, Brisbane, Mossman and Miallo.

Great-grandmother Beatrice Tessier, who was the first woman elected to Douglas Shire Council, recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Picture: Supplied

While working at Mossman State School, Beatrice was the first woman elected to Douglas Shire Council, serving from 1976 to 1979.

Mrs Tessier spent many years tutoring in later life after her retirement.

Mrs Tessier, who has three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, says the secret to her long life is keeping mentally active and contributing to her community.

Originally published as Beatrice Tessier celebrates 100th birthday