Sunbury’s Elsie Grundy turned 100 years old this month, and she said she was “feeling happy”.
Born in West Ham, London, she lived there for 20 years with her family before being bombed during World War II, forcing them to move to another British town called Bedham.
There, she began working in a factory making motor shells, and met her future husband Eric at a dance soon after the war. They had one child, Mark.
In 1963, Elsie’s life took a turn when her husband died. She was left to look after her elderly father, and bring up an 11 year old boy.
Following her son to Australia, Elsie settled in St Albans in the 1980s. She did ballroom dancing, loving big bands and swing. Now, she has three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
She said her secrets to a long life were to “pray to God every day, and do good”.
Independent and full of grace, Elsie is well loved at her nursing home Calvary Goonawarra.
Elsie said it was “being happy, making friends and [loving] everyone” which brought her joy.
Hume councillor Jarrod Bell visited the nursing home last week to wish Elsie a happy birthday.
“It was special to hear from her son Mark the stories of her life and the changes she has seen in her time from her work during the war and her emigration to Australia from the UK,” Cr Bell said.
“Happy 100th birthday Elsie.”
Elsie Lange
