AUDREY Cross has seen more in her lifetime than most of us ever will.
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Born in 1910 to Piallamore farmers George and Gertrude Lye, Mrs Cross was the third of five children and notched up 105 years yesterday, celebrating with family and fellow residents and staff at McKay House.
By all accounts the centenarian was a social butterfly in her day and granddaughter, Belinda Cross, said she had always walked everywhere.
This could be her secret to living so long. She was also known by her family as being rather stubborn – a helpful trait when you’ve raised five boys virtually on your own.
Mrs Cross was widowed when her husband, Sid Cross, died in 1957.
Her family said she has always kept her mind active by writing poetry and she’s known to still sing on occasions.
They also spoke of her enthusiasm for life.
The celebrations yesterday at McKay House were preceded by celebrations a week ago when her son, Don, was in visiting from
Tasmania.
Her other family travelled from Adelaide, Newcastle and Lismore to join the celebrations.
Only one son remained in Tamworth, Ted, who passed away recently, with her other sons, Ken in Adelaide and Peter in Newcastle, while the late Jack lived in Port Macquarie.