Surviving a pack-a-day smoking habit – and the stress of supporting Essendon in recent years – Sydenham’s 100-year-old great grandmother Hazel McConville is still going strong.
Born on August 9, 1916, in Dunkeld near Hamilton, Hazel moved to Taylors Lakes in the early 80s from Surfers Paradise.
It was there she raised a brood of three with husband William James, a family that grew into six grandchildren, six great grandchildren and “another one on the way in November”.
Although her husband sadly passed away 13 years ago, Hazel celebrated her birthday last weekend at Overton Lea nursing home, and was treated by friends and family to a hearty rendition of her beloved Essendon’s theme song.
Daughter Roberta told Star Weekly the key to her mother’s longevity was not always following the rule book of good health.
“She smoked until she was 60, a packet of Turf cork-tipped,” she says.
“Then she got a sinus infection, so after three weeks she decided to quit.
“She’s in really good health; she’s on no medication at all.
“Better than most people, really.”
Hazel was also a keen green thumb, leaving behind 200 beautiful orchids at her Taylors Lakes’ home when she moved to Arcare in Sydenham.
Roberta said her mum was still game for a good, old fashioned blather.
“She’s a bit deaf but one-on-one she’s okay,” she says.
Also a lover of tennis, Hazel was well known for her support of her children’s achievements on the court. Best of all, she often brought a ginger fluff sponge for afternoon tea.
