And, Otago's oldest woman is still going strong.
Maudie Wilson [nee McRobie], of Clyde, was 106 yesterday and, after two days of celebrations with family, appeared to be still enjoying every moment of her long life.
Although rather deaf and with failing eyesight, Mrs Wilson delights in a little light-hearted repartee.
On her health: "No complaints at all; a bit dotty."
On her eyesight: "Ah well, I could say that the dust could accumulate and I mightn't see it. Not too bad for an old lady."
On whether there might be someone in New Zealand who is older: "I wouldn't know them and I wouldn't want to. They might be more dotty than I am."
On her mental agility: "I'm perfect, that's why. No vices. I'm a lovely-natured person. That's my story. I've just been fortunate, really."
On birthday presents: "I don't want presents. I've had something. But they haven't given me a new face though."
On her newsworthiness: "I haven't got a very interesting story to tell, you know. I've been just a very humble person but very happy though. Had a good home and a good husband and three bad children."
Mrs Wilson's children, Fay, Frances and Lindsay, as well as many of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-greatgrandchildren, celebrated her birthday in Mosgiel and Dunedin at the weekend.
Mrs Wilson was born Frances Maud McRobie in Invercargill, on March 23, 1903.
