Margaret Marks’ major milestone

THE very first person to break out in song on her one hundred and third birthday last Thursday was Margaret Marks.

Singing “happy birthday to me” while on a video call with loved ones, Ms Marks was also surrounded by her family for the milestone celebration.

Looking back on the years, she said her life was a happy one.

“We’ve had our ups and downs, that’s life isn’t it?” she said. “I think if you’ve got your health, well, you’ve got everything.”

Having family by her side, who had travelled from as far as Perth and Canberra, was the best gift of the day.

“I wouldn’t want anything else,” Ms Marks said.

The family gathered at Golden Square aged care centre Mercy Health Bethlehem for the party, where Ms Marks now lives.

Born just outside of Boort, Ms Marks first moved to White Hills at the age of six or seven and has lived in Bendigo ever since.

Ms Marks’ daughter Helen Fry said it was an emotional day for the family, but they were lucky to celebrate together.

“We’re extremely proud, it upsets us actually because we can’t believe it. She really is an amazing person,” Ms Fry said.

Even at 103, Ms Fry said her mum’s kept her sense of humour and still “sends everybody up a bit”.

“She really likes people, she’s very sociable so she really enjoys people,” Ms Fry said.

“She’s never thought of her age, ever. Age doesn’t count to her, it’s only a number, so that’s a good attitude.”

And Ms Marks’ secret to a long life? “Just the usual,” she said. And no drinking.