"The day has crept up on me very quickly," she said. "It has come up so fast, she hadn't given it much thought."

She said her secret to a long life was simple.

"(My secret is) doing what you enjoy and what makes you happy," Thelma said.

Thelma has lived her whole life in Bendigo with her family and is known for her love of clothes and talents as a seamstress - a hobby she indulges in to this day.

She worked in a Bendigo factory as a machinist for 10 years before turning to sales for eight years, selling clothing to both men and women.

Thelma said she had many happy memories from her life.

"(I enjoyed) my time working in the factory and in sales, the time spent with family and the memories of my husband, who sadly passed away in WWII."

On Saturday, Thelma will celebrated her birthday at Mercy Health Bethlehem where she lives. People know Thelma for being a caring and loving lady with a beautiful nature.

"(There won't be) a fuss, it will be like any other day," Thelma said.

Thelma will share the celebration with Mercy Health who is celebrating 100 years in health care in Victoria. As part of the celebration, Mercy Health Bethlehem is showcasing stories the residents.