By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
ENGLISH-BORN Win Wilson was in London when bombs were dropped on the city during World War II.
This month she was still alive at the Coptic Village Hostel in Hallam and able to celebrate her 100th birthday on 19 October.
The next day family, friends and staff gathered at the hostel to hold a special birthday party for Win, which involved a high tea, a lunch and musical entertainment.
Win was made the guest of honour at the celebration, which was organised and attended by her daughter Sue, many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and staff from Coptic Village.
Nurse Shirley Temple said Win was shocked and humbled by the celebrations.
“She was delighted though a bit baffled that so much fuss was being made over her,” Ms Temple said.
“She said ‘why? It’s just another day!’”
The century-old stalwart has been a resident at Coptic Village since 2002 where her supportive family visit her regularly.
“She’s much loved here, and she always worries about being a bother, she never wants to bother you,” Ms Temple said.
“She suffers from very bad arthritis and the only thing she ever wants is a new body, new legs and new hands.
“She still walks with a four wheel frame. She’s a fiercely determined lady and a well-loved member of the Coptic community.”
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan also attended the celebrations to congratulate Win on her milestone birthday, while staff from Coptic Village continued to marvel at Win’s passion for life.
“She’s originally from London and she does talk to us about her times in London during the war,” Ms Temple said.
“She prefers not to go out now, but she comes down to watch others participate in activities.
“She’s not letting age stop her from doing things.”
