Jean Townson, a beloved long-time resident of Woombye and Palmwoods, celebrated her 100th birthday on September 16, surrounded by her family at Sundale Palmwoods Retirement Village. Jean has lived an extraordinary life, filled with family, hard work, and deep connections to the Sunshine Coast community, particularly through her role on the family’s iconic pineapple farm in Woombye.

Born in 1924 in Wondai, Jean grew up in a large family with three sisters, two brothers plus 2 older step-sisters and a step-brother.  She faced early challenges when her father passed away when she was just 10, which led her to take on work at a young age to help support her family. After World War II, she married Don Townson, a returning soldier, in 1945, and together they moved to Woombye on the Sunshine Coast in 1949 to start their own farming ventures.

After first living at a Kiel Mountain farm, the Townsons purchased a 33-acre pineapple farm closer to Woombye township in 1951 and later purchased neighbouring farm land as well, where they worked and lived for 58 years, raising four children – Elinor, Malcolm, Neville, and Marilyn. Jean played a hands-on role in the day-to-day operations, driving tractors and working in the sheds and eventually the farm was run by their sons but Don continued on slashing the farm till nearly 90. Their farm became a well-known landmark in the region, producing 1200 tonnes of pineapples annually, as well as avocados.

Jean and Don were also active members of the community, volunteering with the Woombye Hall Committee, catering at the Nambour show  to raise money to build the second Woombye Hall, maintaining the Woombye Presbyterian Church with Jean as a Sunday school teacher, members of the original committee raising money to build Sundale in Nambour as well as involved with School committees and local sporting groups (Don even drove his tractor down to mow the Woombye sports ground). Jean was always available for cooking and doing handicraft work for the street stalls and fundraisers, even continuing making knitted toys for hospitals and emergency services until earlier this year. They were known for their strong family values, and their commitment to both farming and community life.

Don and Jean had been married for 68 years when Don passed away 11 years ago.  Their legacy lives on through their many descendants and their inherited step-grandchildren, including 15 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great grandchildren with another baby due any day now. 

As Jean celebrated this remarkable milestone, her family and the wider community honour her rich life, filled with love, dedication, and unforgettable contributions to the Sunshine Coast.