She was named Thelma and was to become the second youngest of nine children born to Annie and Hubert Thomas.

A few days later, all bundled up on her mother's lap she was driven off on the family horse and buggy to begin her life.

That little girl has now reached the grand age of 100.

Thelma grew up at Hickeys Creek, married a local man, Frank Thompson, and had five children of her own.

Those children were Ian, Neil, Joy, John and Marie.

From that Thelma now has twelve grand children and they in turn have given her twenty one great grandchildren.

A gathering of family and friends was held at her home in West Kempsey on the big day. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions and lockdown some family members were not able to attend.

She was a little overwhelmed by all the flowers, phone calls, cards and gifts she received. Even a congratulatory card from the Queen amongst them.

When visitors call they usually find her with crochet hook in hand and balls of wool beside her making knee rugs for the 'old people' in nursing homes, or busy cooking to have something on hand "in case someone calls".

Thelma has lived her life guided by simple truths that she has passed on to her family.

If you can't say anything good, just keep your mouth shut and it doesn't hurt you to do a good turn for someone. Lastly, if you don't do anything wrong you can't get into trouble.

Not long after she married she forgot to take her own advice and got into trouble.

She pruned her mother in law's roses who she did not want them pruned, despite being rewarded with a bumper crop of blooms the next season.

As the last survivor of her siblings and their partners she is the grand matriarch of a large and extended family loved by all.

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