A LOW key birthday celebration was just the thing for 100-year-old May Hobson on Sunday, as she shared her special milestone, or so she thought.
Ms Hobson, a resident at Mornington Bay Care Community aged care centre, was delighted to discover her birthday bash was slightly bigger that she expected, with her daughter Sue Pugsley secretly inviting a few former neighbours and past connections.
Mrs Pugsley said her mother, whose husband Les passed away in 2016, did not want presents, so surprise guests who were part of her life over the years were the best thing.
The Hobsons had two children, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
“Mum was just a wonderful mother, and she was liked by everyone, so I thought I’d invite a few people she might be surprised to see,” she said.
“Mum and dad had a great life, they used to travel a lot, and go to dances, and mum just lived for her family, she adored her grandchildren and would do anything for family.”
The Hobsons moved to the peninsula from Mussumbeena a few years ago to go into aged care and be nearer their daughter.
Mrs Pugsley said her mother’s secret to longevity was just to appreciate the simple things.
“Mum ate three good meals a day, she loved her occasional sherry, she loved her husband and they never had a cross word between them,” she said.
“They had a lot of parties at home, because dad was a personnel manager, and that was part of his job but, really, she appreciated being at home, looking after the family.
“She loved knitting, and sewing aprons for a bit of pocket money, and catching up with friends. I think that’s what kept her young.”
First published in the Mornington News – 5 April 2022
