Jess Stapledon is set to celebrate her 100th birthday and the arrival of her first great-great-grandchild in the space of a few days.
The mother of two, grandmother of five, and great-grandmother of ten turns 100 on Thursday 17th, while the latest addition to the family is due on the 23rd.
Tea Tree Gardens Retirement Village resident Jess is looking forward to celebrating both occasions, and admits she is hoping for a serendipitous early arrival.
“We’re really excited and I’m hoping it happens on my birthday!” she said.
Jess was born in Alberton and spent her childhood at Semaphore, before moving around the state as her husband’s career dictated, and has lived at Tea Tree Gardens for 20 years.
“There were only horses and traps when I was a child, then cars came along,” she said.
“So much has changed that I can’t even imagine that I’ve been here for a hundred years!
“I’m thankful that I’m still able to get about and enjoy life.”
Two major celebrations are planned to mark Jess’s milestone.
“A friend of mine is organising one at the village – there will be about 90-odd people coming to that,” she said.
“For the second, my daughter has invited 100 people to a function centre nearby.”
The secret to a long life is simple, she said.
“I always tell people they must keep busy – don’t sit down and do nothing!”
For more information about Tea Tree Gardens Retirement Village, click here.
