Beryl Ibbotson celebrates a century of life, love and lasting gratitude.
“She’s going to get three cheers for 100 years!”
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The call rang out across Maculata Place at Shepparton Villages as residents and staff erupted into applause for Beryl Ibbotson, celebrating a century of life with an afternoon tea on Tuesday, January 27.
Piece of cake! Beryl Ibbotson cuts the first slice.
Born in Shepparton on January 26, 1926, Beryl’s story is woven deeply into the Goulburn Valley.
She grew up in Dookie, where her father famously built what is now known as Thomas Rd — a reminder of the pioneering spirit that shaped her early years.
That resilience was tested during World War II.
While the men in her family were sent overseas, Beryl and her two sisters stayed behind on the family farm, training as aircraft spotters and doing their part on the home front.
As peace returned, Beryl swapped scanning the skies for swaying on dance floors.
It was then that she met her first husband, Kneale James.
“Our romance started on a dance floor, and so, the glass of sherry went a long way,” Beryl said with a laugh.
The couple married and raised five children, initially sharefarming at the site of today's Tallis winery before moving to Shepparton so their eldest son, who had contracted polio, could be closer to medical care.
After a period in Kyabram, the family later relocated to a soldier settlement farm at Waaia.
Kneale passed away in 1978, just shy of the couple’s 30th wedding anniversary.
In later years, Beryl found love again with Mac Ibbotson.
“They had a lovely life together for over 25 years,” her youngest daughter, Jan James-Watfa, said.
“She always said she was very lucky to have had two wonderful husbands.
“And her children, they've gone on to create over 30 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren — she has done her bit for the population!”
Beryl Ibbotson with her daughter Jan James-Watfa and granddaughter Elodie Watfa.
Jan travelled from England to be part of the celebration, thanking staff and residents for creating a place where her mum truly feels at home.
“Whenever I call her, she says how happy she is here with her friends and how well looked after she is,” she said.
Reflecting on her century, Beryl remains characteristically content.
“It makes me appreciate the good things that have happened to me over my life and how good people have been to me,” she said.
Her secret to reaching 100?
“Common sense.”
Beryl Ibbotson received a letter from the King congratulating her on her 100th birthday.
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