Marjorie celebrates remarkable 100 years with visit to place of birth

Bunbury's Marjorie Williams had one special wish for her milestone birthday of 100, to go back to where she was born.

Mrs Williams was born in the front room of Anzac Cottage in Mt Hawthorn — built by the local community as Western Australia’s first memorial to those who served at Gallipoli.

Her wish was made a reality through the generosity of Bunbury St John Ambulance, who offered free transportation to Anzac Cottage from her Bunbury aged care home.

Born at the cottage on January 3 1921, Mrs Williams lived there alongside her three sisters and is the only surviving member of the original family.

Mrs Williams lived in the cottage until 1946, and she went on to serve as an air raid warden in World War II and in the Australian Women’s Army Service from 1942 to 1945.

Mrs Williams’ daughter Anne Chapple said her mother had great affinity with Anzac Cottage and was beyond excited about visiting her birthplace for the first time in four years for her 100th birthday celebration.

“Anzac Cottage holds a special place in Mum’s heart and to be able to host this milestone birthday celebration at the cottage means the world to her,” Mrs Chapple said.