It was 92 years ago that Sister Madeleine Lawrence, who celebrated her 109th birthday yesterday, boarded a train from Melbourne to Goulburn to join the Sisters of Mercy.
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The occasion was marked at the Mercy Convent in Young, where Sister Madeleine has lived for 23 years.
She received yesterday greetings and cards from numerous people, including the Queen, the Governor-General, the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition.
So how had she spent her birthday?
''Like every other day. Like a good person I got up out of bed, had my breakfast and went to Mass and here I am ... I am just an ordinary person.''
On what caused her to live so long? ''Well, I had no say in it. It is not my say. It was God's doing, not mine, that I am still here.''
Does she still enjoy life? ''Of course I do. Except when I can't get on my two legs and run around like I used to.''
She taught in schools from Goulburn to Jerilderie.
''I liked the country kids. They were unsophisticated, lovely youngsters.''
Her students were just ordinary country children who were all very loyal.
''I loved the kids. I liked teaching and I was always fond of teaching. So much so that even when I left the teaching, they still corresponded with me.''
They still do and were represented by many of the cards and greetings she read yesterday.
She enjoys reading, writing and playing scrabble.
''I do a lot of things like that. It keeps the mind going ... I read everything I can put my hands on.
''I don't read the paper very much, because the papers don't interest me very much.''
Her extensive service includes many years at St Joseph's home for girls at Kenmore and St John's home for boys in Goulburn.
Her decision to join the Mercy Sisters was influenced by a priest in Melbourne whose sister, Bridget Hartnett, was the Mother General of the order in Goulburn.
''I knew it was the right decision because I was happy there - very happy.
''I had to study very hard, but I was happy and very glad to be there.''
Though she left Melbourne 92 years ago, she still follows the Carlton Blues in the Australian Football League.
''Once I make up my mind to barrack for someone I never change, whether they are good or whether they are bad.''
Though few women now join the Mercy Sisters in Australia, Sister Madeleine said it was a life she recommended. ''I haven't regretted it, so why should anybody else?''
