Happy 100th birthday to Abbey Gardens’ Thelma Burton

Celebrations have been long and heartfelt at Baptcare Abbey Gardens Aged Care community in Warragul with much-loved resident Thelma Burton turning 100.

Although Thelma has travelled the world, her home now is just ten minutes away from the family farm at Yarragon where she was born on 4 April 1923. She was the eighth and youngest child of the Skinner family. All of her siblings lived into their 90s, with her brother Bill making it to 101 and sister Elsa 105.

As a toddler, Thelma had trouble pronouncing her name which sounded more like ‘Sem’, a nickname which has remained throughout her life.

At the age of 19, with the Second World War raging, Thelma joined the Army as a driver, ferrying officers around Melbourne and other parts of Victoria and servicing her own vehicles when required.

After the war Thelma returned to Gippsland and worked in the office of a local department store, Burton Stores in Warragul. She married Ken Burton in 1947, a returned serviceman who had served in New Guinea. They had three daughters, Joan, Susan and Robynne.

After Ken died in 1978, Thelma had the opportunity to pursue her interest in travel. She visited many countries and made many friends on her adventures.

Now she is a treasured part of the community at Abbey Gardens. She believes her secret to long life is good health, good genes, lots of laughter, lots of music and lots of love. Inspirational thoughts from an inspiring woman.