A life well-lived — and still going strong with laughter, love and lots of trivia

Resident Shirley McAllister at BaptistCare Durham Green is as unstoppable as ever. She still gives her friends a run for their money in Trivia and is a dab hand at Bingo – despite having lost most of her sight.

Macular Degeneration was already affecting Shirley's vision when she moved into residential care at the BaptistCare home in Menangle, south-west of Sydney, at age 92. Taking a friend’s advice, she insisted on unpacking and arranging her belongings herself so she could memorise where everything was.

Now 100, her vision impairment has never slowed her down from doing what she loves most – tending to her garden and socialising with other residents. Shirley also treasures time spent with her niece and enjoys the home's regular visits from local children. 

“I love how different they are today, and seeing some of the tricks they get up to,” she says with a laugh.

Shirley’s story is rich with memories and milestones. She was born to parents Alexander and Daisy in Stanmore in 1924, and grew up alongside her brother Jack. The two would walk a mile to school each day to save the four-pence bus fare. She still recalls the immense relief and joy when Jack and all the boys from their neighbourhood returned safely from World War II.

“Everyone was jumping for joy when peace was declared! People were dancing in the street in Martin Place, singing, screaming, laughing, and paper was flying from all the buildings,” she recalls.

Later, Shirley settled in Revesby with her husband Bert, with whom she shared 35 years of marriage before his passing in 1987. When they married, she had to leave her job at MLC Insurance, as was customary at the time. But when she returned to visit friends, she was told the company was now employing married women – and she was re-hired, this time as a senior.

From joyful celebrations to life’s quiet routines, Shirley’s story is one of resilience, humour and heart. It’s a reminder that every life has rich chapters worth sharing. 

Thank you, Shirley, for sharing your story with us!