Turning 100 is a milestone worth marking in style. But for Joan Boddy (nee Fraser), it was pretty much just another day in the life of Joan Boddy.
While she was delighted to see her two children, six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren come walking up her footpath yesterday, she was a little embarrassed by the level of fuss they made of the day.
They were among about 30 people who gathered at the top of Michie St yesterday morning, and were led by City of Dunedin Pipe Band piper Jayden Henderson to her front gate where everyone sang Happy Birthday to her.
''I'm absolutely embarrassed. Lots of people turn 100 - age just happens,'' she said.
Despite the pomp and circumstance, she was also appreciative of the cards with birthday wishes from the Queen and Prime Minister John Key.
The centenarian had no idea what the secret to longevity was. She said she only gave up cigarettes 20 years ago. However, keeping an active mind may have had something to do with it, she said.
''I learnt to drive 30 years ago. I suppose you can teach an old dog new tricks after all.''
Her son Fraser Boddy believed longevity ran in the family. He said her brother Douglas Fraser was 96 and still alive and kicking in Wellington. He was unable to travel to be with his sister on her birthday.
Mrs Boddy said one of the greatest things she had seen in her lifetime was the changes in lifestyle.
''I've seen changes in the food we eat, the clothes we wear, even people's morals. It's certainly very different from the world I was born into.''
She spent yesterday celebrating with family and having a birthday lunch at Glenfalloch.
