100 reasons to celebrate

Joan Harwood was surrounded by balloons on Wednesday as she celebrated her 100th birthday at Opal Bunbury Gardens.

Born in Birmingham, England Mrs Harwood has lived quite the adventurous century.

In the 1960s after finding love with Fredrick Harwood, the pair moved to Melbourne where she worked in an office doing admin work while her husband worked as a plumber.

During their tour around Australia they visited Bunbury and in 1987 decided to retire on Bunning Boulevard.

At the time, Father Brian Newing was a dean at St Boniface Cathedral which Mr and Mrs Harwood attended regularly. They became good friends and eventually neighbours.

“We lived opposite each other until last year when I made the tough decision to put her into Opal Gardens,” Fr Newing said.

“After her husband passed away I looked after Joan for three years.

“She has the most beautiful personality and you always felt better by being in her presence and even though I can’t be with her to celebrate, I wish her the happiest of birthdays.”

The staff at Opal Bunbury Gardens said Mrs Harwood is very loved and also wished her a happy birthday.