HAVING spent a lifetime serving others, one Tamworth woman will have to be content to sit back and be the centre of attention today as she celebrates her 100th birthday.
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Now a resident of Moonby House, Jean Pannan comes from an era when serving others was a given, so not being in the kitchen with her sleeves rolled up is a very different role for this inspiring matriarch.
Jean Stevenson was born on April 13, 1916, at Yarrawonga on the banks of the Murray River, fourth in order, with her one sister and seven brothers.
Coming from a very sporting and musical family, Jean recalls busy, active days and many wonderful evenings spent around the piano with her mum playing, and dad accompanying her on violin.
Her parents played for all the local functions in the district and taught their children well, being great examples in their local community.
From an early age, Jean learnt the importance of cooking, which was to become one of her staples throughout life.
Her reputation in the kitchen extended way past her own family home.
Jean’s scones were to become the stuff of legend, winning countless CWA Land Cookery competitions over the years.
Whether it was at Probus, CWA, the United Hospitals Auxiliary (UHA), VIEW club, a church group or Meals on Wheels, Jean Pannan has always been in the thick of it, with sleeves rolled up.
“That’s just what you do. Only a few do the majority of the work,” she said with a smile.
Life these days at Moonby House is very different for Jean, as she sits, looking out over the nearby mountains and reflecting on her younger days.
A great athlete in her youth, sport played a large role during her school days, with tennis, hockey and athletics her main pastimes.
Known for her speed as a runner, young Tom Pannan was very fortunate to catch her – but he did – and they were married in 1938 and had four children: Colin, Margaret, Don and Joan.
They lived on a property in the small village of Binya, not far from Griffith, and after 20 years sold the Binya property and moved in to Griffith.
Having lost her husband in 1973, Jean moved to Tamworth in 1988, to be close to one of her daughters, Joan Douglas, and son, Don.
She was quickly embraced by the local community, transferring her membership of CWA and UHA to Tamworth, where she went on to gain life membership of both organisations.
Up until the age of 96, Jean continued to be independent, driving herself to meetings and outings.
It’s only in recent months that she moved out to Moonby House, where she’s made many good friends.
She has received congratulatory messages from the Queen, the Prime Minister and many other dignitaries, taking them all in her stride.
