A cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Ivy Delaney celebrated her 100th birthday on the weekend with her loving family by her side.

Born on September 19 and raised in the Lismore district, she grew up with three brothers and two sisters, and enjoyed a happy childhood with plenty of laughs and companionship.

Following World War II, she met and married Cecil “Digger” Albert Green, and continued to live and work in and around Lismore before relocating to Bellingen where her husband worked as a blacksmith with his father.

The couple later moved to Ulmarra and managed their own blacksmith shop before moving again, this time to Deep Creek to run a dairy farm, before returning to Ulmarra.

They were blessed with six children, sons Trevor, Dennis, Kevin, Graeme and Noel, and daughter Robyn.

Mrs Delaney was always active in her local community, helping out at the school canteens, school fairs and Christmas parties.

Described by her loved ones as a great cook, Mrs Delaney loved baking cakes and dinner every night for her family and was always required to cook whatever her children brought home after their fishing and shooting endeavours.

Following the sad passing of her beloved husband in 1977, Mrs Delaney continued to remain active in her local community, and remained devoted to her family, who gave her much joy and happiness.

When the family moved to Ballina, she became involved with the Country Women’s Association (CWA) and would regularly win cake cooking competitions.

She was awarded 50 years of membership of the CWA and still has many friends in the organisation today.

On September 17 her family, including six children, 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren came together and organised an (early) birthday celebration at the Grafton District Services Club (GDSC).

“It’s wonderful for everyone to be here to celebrate with her,” daughter Robyn said proudly.

“She is deeply loved, and my brothers and I are all so lucky to have her as our mum.”

Mrs Delaney also received congratulatory letters from Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth II, His Excellency David Hurley and his wife Linda, the Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese, the Premier of NSW Dominic Perrottet, the Honourable Margaret Beasley QC Governor of NSW, the Honourable Jonathan O’Dea MP and speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly, Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis and his wife Vicki, Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan and his wide Karen, and Clarence Valley Council (CVC) Mayor Ian Tiley.