BETTY Dean of Carey Bay got the gift she always asks for when she celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends at Toronto Workers Club on Saturday.
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"Whenever the family asks Betty what she wants for her birthdays, she always says the same thing: 'I just want to see you all'," Mrs Dean's great grandson-in-law, Luke Dixon, said.
More than 20 family and friends gathered to share in the celebration on Saturday, and Mrs Dean was chuffed.
"She loved it. She was thrilled," Mr Dixon said.
There was one surprise that went over especially well.
"She was quite taken aback when we presented her with a folder that contained letters of congratulations from the Queen, Prime Minister Scott Morisson, the Governor General Peter Cosgrove, and local MP Greg Piper, among others," he said.
Born on May 22, 1919, young Betty Ahearn lived with her parents and siblings in Newcastle.
She married David Dean, a branch manager at Winchcombe Carson Wool Brokers, in the 1950s, and the couple built a home at Coal Point. Mr Dean passed away more than 25 years ago.
An accomplished tennis player, Mrs Dean had several jobs during her working life, including as an office worker at Lysaght's steelworks.
Mr Dixon said Mrs Dean has always enjoyed living a simple life which appeared to be a key to her health and longevity.
"Apart from when she gave birth to her son, Graham, Betty hadn't been to hospital until she was in her 90s," he said.
Mrs Dean had always eaten well, and she had a friendly and honest disposition, Mr Dixon said.
Her son, Graham Dean, said Betty was a generous contributor to the area.
"She was always an active volunteer in community groups like the View Club, Toronto Ladies Probus Club and, back in the day, School P&Cs, and school and sporting club canteens," Mr Dean said.
Her descendants include son Graham, grandchildren Jason, Amber and Hayley, and great grandchildren Ava, Ella, Zoe, Mia and William.