Joined by her daughters Jeanette Maclennan from New Zealand and Barbara Taylor from the Rocks, Nancy’s contribution to the community was brought into focus as friends and family shared their experiences of how she had come into their lives.

The birthday girl was among those to give a speech on the occasion, with Barbara impressed with the way her mother addressed the crowd of well wishers.

“Ever since she attended Business College, she has always been an excellent public speaker,” she said.

“We weren’t sure whether she would still be able to do it at her age but the way she got up and spoke was absolutely wonderful. 

"Part of the reason she has always held executive positions within various community groups is because of how well she delivers speeches.”

Born in Coonamble, Nancy moved to Sydney with her family at a young age.

After attending Business College, she secured a job as a pay mistress at Bonds Industries, where her father was already employed.

The family moved back to the country in 1945 after her father bought a dairy farm at Nambucca Heads.

After 10 years on the farm Nancy came to Kempsey, where she lived until making one final move to South West Rocks in 1996.

Her husband Tom was an employee at the Nestle factory.

Mrs Taylor said Nancy had always been a vibrant member of whatever community she joined.

“She has done everything from helping out during the floods to holding positions within the Girl Guides and the Mother’s Union,” she said.

“It seemed as though she was involved in everything but our family never suffered for it. I still enjoy going to the nursing home and showing her old Argus clippingd where she is mentioned.”