Four seniors at Baptistcare Gracehaven residential care celebrate 100th birthday
If you’ve ever wanted to know the secret to a long life, centenarians at Baptistcare Gracehaven Residential Care in Rockingham recently celebrated their 100th birthday.
Scroll to Explore
29 June 2021
News
| Aged Care Homes
If you’ve ever wanted to know the secret to a long and happy life, there are four seniors at Baptistcare Gracehaven in Rockingham who recently celebrated their 100th birthday, that may have the answer.
According to Baptistcare Gracehaven Residential Care residents Keith Roediger (100), Ivy Caller (100), Leah Pearce (100) and Janis Raszobs (103), good friends and plenty of laughter are the key to reaching their centenarian status.
The joyful four pictured were the guests of honour at a birthday party celebrating their combined 403 years of life at Baptistcare Gracehaven.
Former WW2 fighter pilot Keith is the latest Baptistcare Gracehaven resident to join the centenarian club.
Born in South Australia, he moved to Western Australia’s Wheatbelt region with his family when he was just three years old.
One of six children, Keith was only 18 when he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force, joining two brothers on the frontline.
He became a night pilot, flying Mosquito Fighter Bombers from 1941 to 1946.
Returning home in early 1947, Keith immediately married his wife Eva and spent the next 50 years farming with his brother Eric who lived until the incredible age of 106.
By the time Keith retired at the age of 73, he had farmed 3,500 acres of Wheatbelt land.
Keith has always been known for his happy and hopeful disposition – a trait his family credit for his long life.
“My faith has also been very important to me, especially during war time,” he said.
Baptistcare Gracehaven Residential Care Manager, Ahna Paddon, said it is fabulous to be able to help the facility’s centenarians celebrate their birthdays.
“We love having the families and friends of residents come in and contribute to the party atmosphere,” said Ahna.
“It’s important for seniors to remain connected and to feel that Baptistcare Gracehaven is home.”
Photo caption from left to right: Keith Roediger, Baptistcare Gracehaven Lifestyle Coordinator Kim Jordan, Ivy Caller, Leah Pearce, Gracehaven Residential Care Manager Ahna Paddon, Janis Raszobs.
Follow this link for more information about Residential Care or contact us on 1300 275 227.