Winifred Brown was surrounded by family and friends on Sunday as she celebrated her 100th birthday.
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Members of each of the four generations who were there – from her sister Mary through to one of her great grandchildren – shared memories and stories at the celebration.
Winifred Doust was born at Manildra on June 6, 1918, the second of six children.
She started her schooling at the one-teacher school at Burdett school, attending until her family moved to a farm at Garema in 1928.
Bright enough to earn a bursary at the end of primary school, young Win completed her schooling at Forbes High School while boarding at St John’s hostel.
After school, she gained work as a governess on a property at Bedgerabong overseeing students studying by distance education.
It was there she met a young farmer, Edgar Brown, who was to become her best friend as she continued to work at small schools in the area.
Win and Edgar were friends for nearly 10 years before they announced their engagement in 1944.
They married at the Forbes Methodist Church on July 4, 1945, built a cottage and made their home on the Bedgerabong property “Glamis”.
On the farm in those days, there was no electricity - and certainly no refrigeration - so in the heat of summer they thought to store the butter in the coolest place on the property, in the well.
The butter was suspended down into the cool dark of the well, unfortunately they hadn’t been aware the sun shone directly down into the well at midday and the butter melted anyway.
The Browns welcomed three sons, Scott, Lisle and Graham, and a daughter, Heather.
They have since welcomed 11 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.
As those children and grandchildren celebrated Mrs Brown’s life, they pointed to her Christian faith and love for God as central.
She taught Sunday School, and was also heavily involved in school P and Cs, the CWA and Meals on Wheels.
Family described Mrs Brown as a devoted mother as well as a devoted wife to Edgar, who passed away in 1988.
She now resides at JRV, where some 120 family and friends gathered to celebrate on Sunday.
She was delighted to receive letters from the Queen, Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Governor General and more.