At 105, Iris continues to embrace life with enthusiasm. Whether gardening, spending time with family or visiting children at a nearby preschool, the St John’s Villa New Lambton resident fills her days with the things that matter most.
Iris marked her 'big' birthday in January this year with family, friends and fellow residents… oh, and an NBN film crew, who captured the celebrations for the evening news!
‘I had a wonderful day. I received a lot of flowers and I felt so happy,’ Iris said.
Back where it all began
Iris’s story began in rural New South Wales. A descendant of the Neves sheep-herding family brought to Australia by wool pioneer John Macarthur, she grew up milking cows and entered the workforce at just 13, cooking for shearers in Tumblong. By 19, she was working at a private Catholic girls’ school in Albury.
Across more than a century, Iris has witnessed extraordinary change. She watched the Sydney Harbour Bridge being built and walked across it when it opened in 1932. As a child, she sat in Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’s plane, saw preparations for an early trans-Tasman flight, lived in a home lit by lanterns and lived through World War II.
Iris is a mother of two sons and two daughters, a melanoma survivor and the centre of a large family. Her eldest son, Dale, is now 82, and the family includes grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.
Making the most of every day
For Iris, life’s everyday pleasures are every bit as important as the big celebrations. Gardening remains one of her greatest joys, and she loves spending time in the sunshine alongside St John’s Villa Lifestyle Coordinator Aymon Jones. Until recently, Iris would even take charge of the hose herself.
Trips to Bunnings with Aymon are another favourite, giving Iris the chance to choose plants for the Villa’s garden and continue a pastime she has always loved. The pair share plenty of laughs along the way, and Iris affectionately calls Aymon ‘the best boyfriend ever’.
These hobbies and social outings help Iris thrive at St John’s Villa, giving her the freedom to spend her time as she chooses, make her own decisions and continue doing the things she loves.
Connection across generations
Social connection is another important part of Iris’s life at St John’s Villa.
Through the home’s intergenerational program with nearby Busy Bees preschool, Iris spends time talking, playing and reading with the children. These visits bring joy to residents and preschoolers alike, while strengthening connection with the wider community.
‘I think they love us coming. When we arrive, they’re lined up at the gate,’ Iris said.
Looking ahead
Iris moved to St John’s Villa with her husband, who sadly passed away a year later. In the years since, she has built a fulfilling life of her own and become a much-loved member of the community.
Still looking ahead, Iris has set herself a new goal: to reach 108, inspired by a close family friend who lived to 107.
Her advice for a long life is simple: ‘Eat all your vegetables, stay active and trust in the Lord.’