Anne Vandeligt celebrated her 90th birthday just a day after her WHEN you celebrate your 90th birthday there is nothing much that you have never received before, or need but this year Johanna (Hanneke) Vandeligt received something she had never received before – a pay cheque.
More than 130 friends and family celebrated being 90 years young at a party held at St Patrick’s Hall on Sunday.
Everyone had a great day, with people travelling from as far as The Netherlands to join celebrations.
Her granddaughters Hayley and Melissa presented her with a photo book of all her children and their families.
Born in Bakel, The Netherlands on 22 February 1920 Johanna, affectionately known as Anne, was only nine years old when her father passed away.
From the time she was five until she was 13, Anne walked 45 minutes to school before she left to help her mother take care of her six younger siblings and work in the fields at home.
Anne and her husband Tony produced six children before migrating to Australia in 1954.
Tony was taken to work on a farm in Bunyip before Anne and the children made their way to the small country town after a week at Bonegilla (a hostel for immigrants).
During their time in Australia, the family has moved around the area including Garfield North, Tynong, Drouin West, Tonimbuk, Longwarry North before retiring to Meadowvale in Pakenham in 2004 where Tony sadly passed away soon after. During their time in Australia they have never thought of going back to live in Holland but have visited when they could.
Daughter Margaret Marriot said her parents had lived a hard but happy life.
“The times have not always been good but they have overcome any disappointments and remained together through the good and the bad times,” she said.
“Work has never been a problem for either of them and their nine children have all married and have had children of their own.
“In their life they have seen and learnt many things but their life has always revolved around their children and playing cards with their friends.”
Anne has 30 grandchildren and more than 50 great grandchildren with three more on the way.
