Thersa Celebrates 100 Years Surrounded By Five Generations

Wagga Wagga resident and BaptistCare home care services customer, Mrs Thersa Hillier, recently celebrated her one hundredth birthday thanks to a life lived with kindness and helping others. 

Thersa’s milestone birthday party was held the following day in the local Senior Citizen’s Centre, with a crowd of well-wishers, including five generations of family, many of whom travelled from as far away as Queensland to share in her special day.

Thersa moved to Wagga Wagga in 1964, and has been in the same house ever since. A strong and independent woman who lived through the Depression, World War Two, and the tragic death of her eldest son, Thersa has always been resolute in maintaining her independence.

She remains an active member of the local community, and has been able to stay in her own home with support from her family, neighbours, and BaptistCare’s home services, whose carers visit twice a day and provide individualised care, including help with personal and domestic tasks, as well as medication and meal time support.

“Mum is a strong lady; you’d have to be to reach one hundred. She used to be pretty stubborn about taking care of herself. Since BaptistCare have been visiting her, she sees the benefits of having them there to help her stay at home for as long as she can. They have since become firm friends, and we couldn’t do it without them,” said Marleen, Thersa’s daughter.

Thersa’s daughters, Marleen (76), and Yvonne (80), worked tirelessly in the lead up to the party updating the family tree, and collecting photographs and memorabilia from Thersa’s 100 years of life. And there were plenty of photos and memories to choose from, the collection of items celebrating her long life and large family where displayed throughout the Senior Citizen’s Centre providing the opportunity for guests to reminisce, as well as learn a little more about Thersa, her experiences over the years, and her family of 93 descendants.

A favourite memory for many gathered there was the image of a young Thersa resplendent in her red high heels walking confidently through town on the way to her next appointment. This tradition endures; Thersa has continued to take daily walks around the block with her long-time neighbour of 50 years.

Born in Ardlethan, NSW, Thersa is one of ten children. She lived in Talimba as a young child, and then moved to Griffith during the Depression.

Thersa’s life has been one of hard work, great joy, and devastating loss, all underscored with the motto of ‘being kind to people’. Thersa lived through the Depression, and World War Two, and these experiences shaped her determination and gave her the drive to help others wherever and whenever she could.

A volunteer cook at Meals on Wheels for 20 years, she still attends weekly social groups with BaptistCare and Forest Centre, where she continues to help others.

Her happiest times and greatest memories are when she had her babies, though this is tinged with the deep sadness of losing her eldest son, who was tragically killed in an accident when he was 36. Taking strength from her family, Thersa’s descendants now include 8 children, 23 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren, and 17 great great grandchildren.

Find out more about BaptistCare.

Photograph by Kieren L. Tilly