Isabel, a resident of Maranatha Lodge, Batehaven, marked the occasion surrounded by family and friends. 

Born in the family home in George Street, Bermagui, Isabel was the only surviving child of James and Mildred McIntosh, who owned the general store in Lamont Street.

Isabel attended Bermagui Primary School but later moved to Homebush High School in Sydney to complete her secondary education. 

With school days over, Isabel moved back to the coast, where she met her husband-to-be, Arthur, of Tilba Tilba, at the age of 16. 

After they married in 1936, in the Anglican Church in Bermagui, Isabel and Arthur rented an old house.

Before long the couple moved to Victoria, where Arthur was a cheese maker during World War II. 

Isabel and Arthur raised three daughters - Rosemary, Diana, who passed away in 1971, and Gay.

Not being able to stay away from Bermagui for too long, they moved back after Isabel’s father passed away. 

Arthur worked at a boat building yard in Bermagui before he and Isabel took over the family’s general store and “did quite well”.

Isabel did have time for things other than family and work.

Gay said her mum enjoyed playing euchre, reading the paper and browsing through the Woman’s Day magazine. 

“She went to dances and the whole family used to dance,” she said. 

In 1965, Isabel moved to Bavarde Avenue, Batemans Bay, where she lived until moving to Maranatha seven years ago. 

On her 100th birthday, Isabel received letters of congratulations from the Queen, Prime Minister and Governor General, but wished to hear from Princess Mary, of Denmark. 

“I tried to organise it on two occasions, but found the Danish people to be very cold,” Gay said.

“They said because Mary didn’t know her personally, she would not send a letter.

“I was disappointed.”

Isabel is not the only long-lived member of her family.

“She had a cousin who was one hundred and one and a half,” Gay said. 

Gay said her mother was a good parent. 

“I think the most amazing thing in her life was having children,” she said. 

Now, Isabel spends her days participating in activities in the retirement home and keeping up to date with current affairs. 

“She enjoys singing the old songs,” Gay said. 

“Her mind is still good, she can read okay and she eats well.

“She can’t hear very well but her health is good.

“She still gets the paper every day.”