100th birthday party benefits Westpac Rescue Helicopter

AROUND 60 family and friends of Mrs Jessie Fisher gathered to celebrate her 100th birthday on Saturday.

It was a joyous occasion with Dungog’s Uniting Church Hall filled with smiling faces and laughter.

Instead of bringing presents, guests donated around $500 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

It is 27 years since Mrs Fisher was flown to hospital for lifesaving heart surgery after a major car accident.

A miniature cricket bat signed by all her family members and designating “100 years not out”, was a big hit.

Born Jessie Wade, at Fosterton on 2 August 1925, one of 11 living children, she has lived in the Dungog area all her life.

Her younger sister Chris Lowrey attended the party.

Their family lived at Fosterton until Jessie was around five or six, when they moved to Underbank House near Salisbury.

After Jessie’s father passed away the family moved to a farm at Bendolba.

She worked for a time at the hospital before marrying in 1956 and moving to a dairy farm at Salisbury.

Her husband, Donald, worked for the Council and volunteered for the SES and bushfire brigade.

Mrs Fisher first became a mother in 1957, then three more children followed.

She now has nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

After her husband died in 1993,  Mrs Fisher lived alone.

Clearly independent, down-to-earth and practical, she mowed her own lawn and serviced her lawn mower until age 98, and continued to drive her car until she was 99.

She is renowned for being an excellent cook and for growing her own vegetables and colourful flowers.
She also enjoys crochet, puzzles and magazines.

Her secret to a long life is to “just put up with whatever’s thrown at you”.

Well known for her service to the Dungog community, Mrs Fisher has volunteered for community organisations including the SES and fire brigade.

By Lisa WISEMAN