Party on for Ethel’s 100th

Party on for Ethel’s 100th

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Sandy Frame, City of Canning mayor Paul Ng and director of community development Tania Trengove with Ethel Lister at her 100th birthday celebrations earlier this month. Photograph — Matt Devlin.

At 100 years old Willetton resident Ethel Lister is showing no signs of slowing down her hectic social schedule.

Ms Lister, a Canning Lodge resident, welcomed becoming a centenarian at a birthday party on July 4 amongst hundreds of people.

The amount of friends and family who attended showed just how much of an inspiration she has been in their lives.

She still enjoys regular games of bingo and outings with fellow Canning Lodge residents.
Growing up in the East Victoria Park and Canning areas Ms Lister was involved in several community groups and clubs including the East Victoria Park Girl Guides.

She was even ten-pin bowling with a club in Cannington up until the age of 92.

Her secret to longevity was remaining positive.

“Be happy always and be content with what you’ve got,” she said.

“Don’t reach for the stars, love all your friends.”
She said while she didn’t feel any different her favourite part about turning 100 was the party.

“Just seeing everybody, I didn’t think I knew so many people,” she said.

Ms Lister’s daughter Sandy Frame said her mother was a treasure who despite losing her husband and two children had retained a positive outlook.

“You would not ever know she’s had many tragedies,” she said.

“She gets up every morning, puts on her makeup, jewellery, dresses up to the nines, that’s just how she is.

“After a knee operation a few years ago doctors told her she had the body of a 78-year-old.

“She goes to everything and if they don’t wake her up and take her to an activity she gets really cross because she hates to miss out on anything.”