FASHIONISTA: Maisie Bennett celebrates her 100th birthday yesterday with family and friends at Bupa nursing home. Picture: Julie Hough
CELEBRATING her 100th birthday yesterday, Maisie Bennett was a picture of health.
Wearing an emerald-coloured blouse, purchased especially for the occasion Ms Bennett celebrated the milestone surrounded by friends and family at Bupa nursing home.
“I am shocked,” she said.
“I came in here and all these people were here and I didn’t know why until they told me.
“I don’t believe I am 100.”
Nephew Ted Frost said Ms Bennett moved to Bendigo in 1953 with her husband, Harry.
When she arrived she took up work at a frock boutique in Mitchell Street.
“She is very fashion conscious,” he said.
“She loves clothes and dresses.
“When I helped her move into the nursing home three years ago, I was amazed at how many dresses she had in her wardrobe.”
Mr Frost said the secret to his aunt’s health was all to do with her genes.
“Her father lived ’til he was 99, she also has a healthy diet, gave up smoking a long time ago and doesn’t drink much,” he said.
Ms Bennett’s niece Gay Lavery and great-niece Rachael Lavery treated her to a blow wave and a manicure at Hairhouse Warehouse on Saturday morning.
“She loved it,” Gay Lavery said.
“I think she is more fashion conscious in old age than she was when she was younger.”
She described her aunt as having a “wicked sense of humour”.