Published on Thursday, 26 September 2024 at 10:55:40 AM
A beloved East Fremantle resident is gearing up for a milestone celebration.
One of the Town’s oldest residents, Mrs Lilian Martin, will turn 105 on 28 September.
Born in 1919 in Katanning, Mrs Martin has lived through some exceptional milestones in history including six pandemics, several wars, advancements in technology such as space exploration, and the introduction of the steam train and cars.
On the home front, she’s lived through iconic periods in Australian history including the founding of Qantas in 1920, the production of Vegemite in 1923, construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the introduction of television to Australian in 1956, and the polio epidemic.
A keen Dockers fan, Mrs Martin has called East Fremantle home since 1999. She moved here when she was 80 and found it very convenient to walk to the shops.
“Everything is so handy here,” she said. “I used to walk to the bus stop to go into Fremantle or Perth, and the doctor, dentist and chemist are just a few doors away. Nobody is looking forward to the new supermarket opening more than me!”
Secret to a long life
When asked about the secret to a long life, she attributed it to contentment and hard work.
As one of seven siblings, longevity may also play a role. One of Mrs Martin’s sisters and her mother both lived to 102.
Despite the inherited longevity, living to 105 is something Mrs Martin hadn’t previously considered.
“I can’t believe it,” she said. “I have never thought about turning 105, I was too busy living.”
Looking back over the years
Mrs Martin reminisced about her childhood on the farm in Pingrup where she spent many hours in the saddle alongside pigs, horses, cows and sheep.
The seasons gave her a healthy education as she learnt what grows and changes at different times of the year.
Now, gardening is her favourite pastime. Mrs Martin loves spending many hours sitting in her garden, or on her front porch talking to passing residents.
Many happy returns from the Town
Deputy Mayor Tony Natale stopped by to see Mrs Martin to share a gift from the Town of East Fremantle.
Mayor Jim O’Neill said he was delighted to pass on best wishes from Councillors, staff and the East Fremantle community and congratulate her on her birthday.
“We are lucky to have Mrs Martin living in our town for such a long time,” he said.
“It is an honour that East Fremantle is a place that you can live a long time in, and everyone has something that they can contribute to the social fabric. It’s just fantastic.”
As she prepares to mark her 105th birthday, Mrs Martin has retained a sharp wit and memory, along with a warm smile that welcomes anyone who meets her.
Her family plan to celebrate with a morning tea at home and she has received a birthday card from King Charles – the fifth Monarch in her lifetime. It will be the second honorary birthday card from the UK – her first arrived from the late Queen Elizabeth II when the Queen acknowledged Mrs Martin’s 100th birthday.
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