By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
THE same year Faye Browne was born, World War I broke out.
Celebrating her 100th birthday on Sunday, Faye has seen more than her fair share of events.
The View Hills Manor resident was surrounded by family and friends on Friday as they held an early birthday party for Faye at the aged care facility in Endeavour Hills.
Lifestyle assistant Lucy Wilhelm said Faye’s 100 years were a blessing.
“She’s very feisty, and she’s only pint sized – four foot something,” she said.
“She had a stroke in 2013 and we thought we’d lost her but she came back fighting fit.”
Faye came to View Hills in early 2011.
“The stroke might have disabled her, but it didn’t stop her from participating in activities,” Lucy said.
“Especially the morning quiz and the weekly active games and, I must say, she does alright in it.
“Faye likes to be involved in any musical activities and her favourite songs are Little Arrows by Leapy Lee, and Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash, to which I gave her a copy of the words so we can sing it regularly.
“It is a pleasure to still have Faye with us at 100 and hope she has many more birthdays to come.”
Faye, a passionate Geelong supporter, married Bill Browne and first settled down in Windsor before moving to Sevan, and then on to Oakleigh for most of her married life.
Faye’s son Graham made sure he popped by View Hills Manor on Friday to celebrate with his mum.
He said Faye’s upbringing in Melton, Victoria, during difficult times certainly shaped the woman she became.
“Her father had a lot to do with horses. One of her brothers was involved with the training of Pharlap the race horse,” Graham said.
“As she grew up she worked as a mother craft nurse at Brighton for Sir Arthur and Lady Warner.
During this time she met her Billy Boy who proposed to her on St Kilda Pier.
“They lived in the Footscray area for some time before shifting to South Oakleigh where she remained for close to 60 years, having three children.”
Graham paid tribute to the woman who had shaped the men that he and his brothers, Reg and Noel, had become.
“Both mum and dad were loving parents that would do everything to help their kids to grow up to be responsible adults,” he said.
“This week she turns 100 years of age leaving a trail of loving children, loving grandkids, and loving great grandkids.”
