Born in Newcastle on June 20, 2024 Olive Cook, known as Lee, celebrated her 100th birthday this week with parties across Kiama. There was lunch at Kiama Leagues Club with the Kiama Beachside Ladies Probus Club, a celebration with the Hospital Auxiliary, of which Lee was a member for many years, a morning tea at Kiama Bowling Club where Lee still plays social bowls. And finally to finish off a big week, cake and candles at Kiama Golf Club, followed by a robust few rounds of canasta with friends.
Lee has been a card player since she was five years old and plays canasta at the golf club every Friday. She credits playing cards with “keeping her sharp and off the streets”. The centenarian, who has a wicked sense of humour, says it was an honour to have her milestone birthday recognised with a letter from King Charles and Queen Camilla.
“But I didn’t do anything except live,” she laughs. And live she has, through world wars and epidemics, all while wearing one of her signature hats.
“The obsession with hats comes from my mother’s side,” explains Lee. “She was never without one and I’ve got the sort of hair that needs a hat. I have about 40 of them, for all occasions. My friends are always buying them for me. But disappointingly I only got one hat for my birthday!”
Lee, who has three daughters, three grandchildren and a great-grandson, born earlier this year, says she has had “a very fortunate life”.
The former nurse and her husband moved to Kiama in the 1980s from the family farm in Molong, west of Orange.
“Once the girls were grown up we sold the farm, retired and came down here to live,” she says. “I have had a pretty good life. I can’t complain.”
Lee still lives independently, takes no medication, plays lawn bowls socially, still drives her car, and only recently got glasses “for distance”. Last year her family gave her a walking frame, which she has nicknamed The Ferrari. Up until this week The Ferrari lived in the boot of her car and had never been used.
“When I got the Ferrari I told my family I would use it when I turned 100. I was true to my word.”
Throughout her nursing career Lee spent much of her time in hospital infectious disease units, and says one of her most memorable moments was when childhood vaccinations were made compulsory.
“I was a nurse through a lot of epidemics, so compulsory vaccinations changed the healthcare system for the better,” says Lee. “It was heartbreaking to see babies dying from polio. Compulsory vaccination was a career highlight for me.”
Lee has no secrets to longevity, other than having a good laugh and wearing a hat daily. She doesn’t drink. “I gave up the grog four years ago, one day I just didn’t like the taste of wine anymore.” But if she had to share any tips for a long, happy life it would be a positive attitude, playing cards and spending time with family and friends.