By Danielle Galvin
IT’S not every day that a humble Cranbourne grandmother receives messages from the Queen, Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Governor General Quentin Bryce.
Edna Paterson will celebrate her 100 years this weekend at the Amstel Golf Course with her six children and their families.
With 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, it will be a family affair to remember.
“My mother is a doer, she’s a strong and resourceful woman,” Edna’s daughter Robin Gascoyne said.
Edna was born on 3 July 1911, in Parkville.
She was an active youngster, enjoying tennis, bowling, dancing and golf.
At 23, she was married to Robert Edwin George Paterson, and together they raised their six children in Parkdale.
They met when Edna was 20 years old, while holidaying in Daylesford.
“Dad was a handsome, strong man who looked after his family well. He played football and Mum loved her sport too,” Robin said.
Robert served in the army during World War II from 1942 to 1945.
It was a tough time for Edna, who has always considered family as the most important thing.
“We always had great family get-togethers, particularly at Christmas and Easter and these were the most joyous of occasions,” Edna recalled.
Robin remembers her mother making and sewing dolls for her and sister Sandra when money was tight.
Edna was a crafty woman, working as a milliner in Collins Street before she married Robert.
“My grand-mother was a dressmaker, and she was always very fashionable, just like my mother. She will want to look her best this weekend.”
Federal Holt MP Anthony Byrne was on hand to congratulate and wish Edna a happy birthday.
“On behalf of the Holt community, I congratulate Mrs Paterson on achieving this significant milestone and dearly hope her good health, love of sport and sense of humour continue for many years to come,” Mr Byrne said.
