‘Hard work, bread and dripping’: Centenarians reveal secrets to life beyond 100

From left, Peg Morse, Lois Mayers, Marie “Rose” Clarke and Phyllis Butt have a combined 413 years of wisdom.

Four Sundale centenarians have gathered to share more than 400 years of combined wisdom at a special morning tea.

Marie Rose Clarke, 104,  Peg Morse, 103, Phyllis Butt, 103 and Lois Mayers, 103, are all members of Sundale’s exclusive 100 Club and all have different opinions on the secret to living a long and happy life.

• Marie “Rose” Clarke: “Hard work. I started work at the age of 14 scrubbing floors on my hands and knees and doing ironing with a flat iron that was heated on the stove. Eating bread and dripping as a child.”

• Peg Morse: “Not sticking your nose into other people’s business. I have no right to do so! I don’t tell people what to do.” 

• Phyllis Butt: “Don’t have any worries, be happy, take one day at a time.”

• Lois Mayers: “Living a clean life and giving credit to the Lord.”

Sundale CEO, Helen Sharpley said Sundale’s centenarians are loved and respected members of the community.

“It’s an honour to care for and be-friend these five amazing women,” Ms Sharpley said.

“They have each led amazing, deep and meaningful lives and have left a lasting legacy on their friends and family and the Sundale community.

“Sundale is a richer organisation because of Rose, Peg, Phyllis, and Lois and their warmth and wisdom.”

Sundale is a community-based, not for profit organisation that has provided Retirement Communities, Care Centres and In-Home Care support services since 1963.