By Rowan Forster
When Pakenham’s newest centenarian was quizzed about her secret to a long and fulfilling life, she replied: “it’s a secret”.
Hendrika Driessen marked her 100th birthday last week, surrounded by friends and family at the Shanagolden Aged Care facility.
Described as a happy-go-lucky lady, Mrs Driessen credits the close bond she has with her relatives, faith and an easy-going attitude for her remarkable milestone.
“I take it day by day and that works for me,” she said.
“You have to make the most of it (life) and don’t look ahead.”
Despite her incredible age, she still maintains a busy lifestyle – reading books, socialising with other residents and practicing her religion.
Her family held a birthday bonanza on Sunday, hosting up to 130 people.
“It was wonderful to be surrounded by family,” Mrs Driessen
She was born in Limburg, Holland to a family of six brothers and one sister.
Her mother passed away when she was just 14, leaving her to pick up the mantle and care for her siblings.
Mrs Driessen and her husband arrived in Melbourne in 1954, eventually taking up residence in Berwick.
She was involved in St Michaels Parish for more than ten years.
When asked to describe ‘mum’, her son used the words: “resilient, stubborn, loyal, loving, driven and generous”.
