Marge Furze was guest of honour at a special celebration at the Ken Duncan Art Gallery on Tuesday, August 22, ahead of her 100th birthday on August 26, with a family celebration planned closer to the actual date.
A group of 11 friends gathered to kick off the birthday celebrations in fine style.
Born in Bolton, Lancashire, on August 26, 1923, Marge emigrated to Australia with her parents when she was five years old.
She attended numerous schools during the Depression as the family moved to wherever her father could find employment.
Marge married Ted Furze at Newtown Baptist Church in Sydney in 1941 at the age of 18; Ted was 23.
They had been married for just one month when Ted was drafted into the Australian Army.
Following WWII they moved from Sydney to Holgate where they established a farm, raising chickens and growing assorted fruit and vegetables for local sale.
Marge was introduced by a neighbour to The Church of Christ Wyoming in 1957 and is still a member of that congregation.
She still attends services each Sunday.
“It’s difficult to imagine the changes she’s seen,” one of her friends said.
“From horse and cart to electric cars, from dirt roads to multi-lane motorways and so much more.
“Our congratulations to an inspiring and gracious lady.”
Marge still enjoys good health despite failing eyesight over the past 10 years.
CCN