Cath is our centenarian

By Jade Lawton
CATHERINE Marson’s children joke that if it wasn’t for her, the greeting card industry would go out of business.
Catherine, better known as Cath, has no less than 110 descendants – and she sends a card for each birthday, graduation and wedding.
“I think it’s 110- that’s with all the in-laws and outlaws. I know them all,” she smiled.
Cath will receive a few cards of her own this week, as tomorrow the Pakenham-based Millhaven Aged Care resident turns 100.
Born in Rushworth, Cath married Harry in January 1934. The couple lived in Clayton before moving to an 18 hectare property in Murray Road, Iona, in 1944.
They had eight children – Pauline, Catherine, Margaret, Peter, Patricia, Francis, Anthony and Rita.
Harry was a councillor for 16 years and was president of the Shire of Berwick in 1960.
“He was the first to wear the gold chain in office,” Cath said.
“We went to all the Lord Mayor’s balls, including at the Melbourne Town Hall. It was a very hectic and interesting year,” she said.
During their years at Iona, they also entertained. Harry was an opera singer and Cath played the piano and spent many years learning the violin.
Cath has been involved in the Country Women’s Association (CWA), Red Cross, Iona Primary School fete and other charities.
She also enjoyed tennis, golf and fishing.
Cath, who has lived at Millhaven for the past five years, said she would celebrate her centenary with an afternoon tea.