A BENDIGO resident has celebrated more than a century of life, with a 102nd birthday.
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Muriel Kelly marked the achievement on Friday with a visit from her son and daughter-in-law and afternoon tea at her nursing home.
Daughter-in-law Aylene Kirkwood said Mrs Kelly's family had long-living genes: one sister lived into her 101st year, a brother will turn 104 in August.
Mrs Kelly's son Graeme Kirkwood said his mother had never had a smoke or a drink in her life.
Mrs Kirkwood said Mrs Kelly also played bowls until she was nearly 90.
She said Mrs Kelly was much loved by her family - including nieces, nephews and grandchildren - and had been "a lovely lady throughout her life".
Mr and Mrs Kirkwood visited Mrs Kelly for her birthday, taking balloons, flowers and prawns, a particular favourite of hers.
Mrs Kelly was born in 1918 in Eaglehawk, where she lived until the age of 99.
She was the fourth of seven children in the family.
Born on July 3, Mrs Kelly always thought her birthday was July 5 - the day she was registered.
It wasn't until the 1970s she discovered she was two days older than she thought.
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