By Tate Papworth
Jean Algie turned 100 last week and she says she’s had almost as many parties to celebrate.
The Sydenham resident was the toast of the town and said she was thrilled by all the love and support.
“It’s funny, I’ve not had this many parties in my entire life and they haven’t stopped this week.
“I’m not as steady on my feet these days, so I’ve been telling people it’s because I love drinking Johnnie Walker.
“It was very funny when I was gifted a massive bottle of it for my birthday and had to tell people I don’t actually drink it.”
Ms Algie said life has had its challenges, but she’s never lost track of having fun.
“We migrated from Scotland with our three children in 1959 when my husband accepted a job down here. We had nothing,” she said.
“It was challenging, but that’s life, you just keep getting on with it. I’ve always worked and I’ve always seen the fun in things. I love talking and having a laugh.”
Ms Algie worked as a house cleaner in Toorak into her 80s and many of her customers still keep in contact today.
She said the secret to a long life is happiness.
“You have to laugh, you have to have fun and you have to take things as they come.”
These days she’s a proud grandmother of five and a great grandmother of five.
She said she takes great joy in watching them succeed in life.
