Ethel Burns turned 103 on November 23. Ethel puts her longevity down to having a good sense of humour and plenty of laughter.

Ethel celebrating her birthday with family and friends at Whiddon Maclean.

Ethel was born at Moorland near Taree, on the mid north coast of NSW the fifth child of George and Rosa Lambert one of seven. Ethel grew up at Bald Knob area and attended Coraville Public School. Ethel left School when she was fifteen and gained employment as a house maid cleaning houses in Harrington. Ethel met her prince charming Bill; they married when Ethel was eighteen and lived at Crowdy Head. Due to Bill working on fishing trawlers they moved to Laurieton. They also grow vegetables and had a plant nursery. Ethel and Bill had four children Doug, Vida & Richard (now deceased) and Gary.

Ethel and Bill moved to Iluka in 1962, at that time you had to take three ferry’s to get there. Ethel lived in the same house in Iluka for fifty-six years, only leaving due to needing extra care. Ethel and husband had an amazing shell museum at Iluka and many people would remember visiting their museum.

Ethel her husband and with their family enjoyed travelling around Australia in their caravan and many family holidays up and down the east coast. Ethel was a member of the garden club, did lots of craft, embroidery and crochet. Ethel was also a member of the Friendship Club, Sandpipers and RSL. Ethel started Meals on Wheels in Iluka.

Ethel moved from her own home at Iluka into care at Whiddon Maclean two years ago at the age of one hundred and one. Whiddon is proud to have the privilege of caring for Ethel.