Five generations of the same family have gathered to mark 100 years between their oldest and youngest members.
Lois Mayers, 104, and her great-great-great-niece, four-year-old Elly Mayers, were the guests of honour at the celebration at Sundale in Nambour.
The gathering was an opportunity for Lois to share tales of her own childhood in the town.
“I was an exceptionally shy child and often hid behind my mother’s apron,” she said.
“It was my mother who encouraged me to overcome my shyness, initially by sending me to the local butcher with an order for a pound of mincemeat.
“This small act marked the beginning of my journey towards confidence and self-assurance.”
Lois attributes her long life to a range of factors, including her strong family bonds, her unwavering Christian faith and her involvement in caring for children in her community and church.
Fondly referred to as Aunty Lois, the Rod Voller Care Centre resident played a significant role in nurturing and caring for young children, especially when mothers were preoccupied with their newborns.
It was a role she embraced, finding immense joy and fulfilment in spending quality time with her family and the children she cherished.
Sundale chairperson Terence Seymour said it was an honour for Sundale to host the Mayer family celebration.
“Lois has led an amazing, deep and meaningful life and will leave a lasting legacy on her friends and family and the Sundale community,” he said.
“Sundale is a richer organisation because of Lois and her warmth and wisdom.
“I’m touched we were able to facilitate a family gathering where Lois could be celebrated alongside her great-great-great niece.”
Sundale is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation that has operated retirement communities, care centres and in-home care support services since 1963.
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