Laura celebrates century in style

Anne Norman (eldest granddaughter of Laura), Laura Edwards, Beryl Holton (eldest daughter of Laura), Jason Norman (great grandson of Laura) and Mia Norman (great great granddaughter of Laura) 143879 Picture: CONTRIBUTED

By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS

LAURA Grace Edwards (nee Goodwin) has reached her 100th birthday at Advent Care in Warburton.
Ms Goodwin was born in the Glenferrie hospital in Melbourne on 28 July 1915, and was the second child in a family with four other siblings.
She left school when she was 12 and started work as a cleaner in the Princess Palace in Melbourne and later monitoring eggs at the Blythe Poultry farm in Springvale.
Ms Goodwin became Mrs Edwards in 1936 when she married carpenter, Norvel Edwards.
Laura was a faithful wife and mother working in the home and community where she was well known for her ever caring spirit and always had some home cooking favourites ready to share with those who dropped in.
Mr Edwards sadly passed away in 1971, but Mrs Edwards was devoted to caring and living with her youngest daughter until she took up full time residence at Advent Care Yarra Ranges in 2000.
Over the years visitors and staff coming into her room would be always offered a smile and a warm welcome and all sorts of goodies from her supply.
On 28 July 2015, Mrs Edwards was up early ready to celebrate her landmark birthday.
Mrs Edwards had a group of about 30 family and friends present to reflect on the joys and stories of the past and receive acknowledgements from the Queen, and local and national Government personnel.
Five generations were present for this special day; two of her three daughters, five of the six grandchildren, four of the eleven great grandchildren and the first and only great, great grandchild.