Kavinda Herath/Stuff
Ivy Hannah turned 103 today. She has lived through two World Wars, a Cold War and a Covid-19 pandemic with a "just get on with it" attitude.
At 103, Ivy Hannah has lived through two World Wars, a Cold War and a Covid-19 pandemic with a just get on with it attitude.
I just got on with life ... I can't complain, I dont worry about things too much.
Enliven Resthaven Village in Gore held a celebration for Hannah on Thursday and her family planned to hold another birthday celebration today.
On Thursday, Hannah cracked a smile at the sign of a birthday cake.
Of reaching a big milestone she simply says ...its just another day.
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Born in 1919, Hannah attended school in Maitland, dropping out at the age of 14 to assist her family on their farm.
I enjoyed school ... we walked through the paddocks to class ... I left to work on the farm, milking cows and helping with sheep.
She met her husband, Allan Hannah, at a dance, and they were married in Mataura in 1938.
Their marriage lasted until Allan's death in 1990, spanning more than 50 years.
There was no special secret .... we tolerated each other and were accepting of each other, she said.
Allan and Ivy had 11 children together in the space of 20 years, with Ivy staying at home to tend to the children and the house whilst Allan started up a concrete manufacturing factory.
They were all good kids, I cant complain about any of them, she said.
Her youngest son, Ray Hannah, said with a laugh that maybe they were just good at keeping secrets.
She's had some heartaches along the way, losing three of her sons ... [but] shes a very accepting lady, she takes things as they come, Ray said.
She was just devoted to the family.
Upon Allans retirement the couple became avid gardeners, often entering local flower competitions and winning several prizes.
Dahlias had always been her favourite, she said.
She has seven children, 22 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren, and is looking forward to spending her birthday on Friday surrounded by family.
Her advice for a long and happy life?
Never having high expectations, she said.
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'Just getting on with it' is the secret to longevity for 103-year-old - Stuff.co.nz
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