By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
EVEN after 102 years on this earth, it’s not hard for Phoena Jones to pick out a favourite memory from her century-long life.
“When my husband proposed to me in the workroom,” she said.
“He hated all the fuss, he just wanted to propose.”
Phoena speaks of her husband Charlie, who she worked with for several years and raised her two sons with, Howard and David.
On Tuesday her sons, who visit their mum regularly, came again to Chestnut Gardens Aged Care Home in Doveton to celebrate Phoena’s 102nd birthday with friends and staff.
Speaking prior to the birthday celebration, Phoena reflects on her long life, one in which she has “always been happy”.
In her younger days Phoena sought a job at a sewing business for something to do, not knowing that fate had put her on a path to meet her significant other.
“I answered an ad in the paper; I was getting tired of being at home. I wanted to head into town, I enjoyed the bustle,” Phoena said.
“I went and looked for work and helped the tailor. My husband came one day and asked if I’d like to have a cup of tea with him.
“I said ‘when’ and he said ‘Thursday, would that suit you?’
“I said ‘yes’.”
Ashwin Lennox, Lifestyle Co-ordinator at Chestnut Gardens, is Phoena’s carer and remarked on the 102-year-old’s incredible health and sharp mind.
“She is very happy, I’m always laughing with her and having a good time,” Ashwin said.
“She would love to return home but she can’t, there’s no one to look after her there in case anything goes wrong.
“But she’s very happy here and we’re excited to celebrate with Phoena.”
While everyone doted on Phoena this week for her milestone, the oldest patient at Chestnut Gardens said she didn’t like a lot of fuss.
“I’ve had a lot of birthdays, they’re all the same,” Phoena said, smiling.
