While she said cakes and cookies are her ‘downfall’, the indulgence doesn’t seem to have had an impact on her health. Her 100^th birthday is on July 24. 

Hazel has lived in her North Haven home on Ocean Drive since 1967. She has spent her whole life in the Camden Haven.

She married her husband Laurie Gill on February 7, 1940 at Stewarts River. They lived in Lorne, before moving to Kendall and eventually settling in North Haven. 

Hazel and Laurie had four children Ken, Fae, Graeme and Wayne. They have 12 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. 

Music has been an integral part of Hazel’s life and it’s a hobby which has extended to her grandchildren.

In her youth Hazel would play the piano at dances, while her father would play the fiddle. 

Hazel said her fondest memories involve her wedding day and watching her children grow up. 

She was active in the lives of her grandchildren and would attend their school muic performances and eistedfods. 

Granddaughter Sallyann Smutek said she remembers going on some fabulous trips in Australia with a convoy of three or four caravans. 

She said the Camden Haven was a great place to grow up and the family has stayed close to Hazel. 

Hazel’s son Ken lives next door while her daughter Fae lives in the house at the back of the property. 

Nearly 100 people attended a party for Hazel’s 100^th birthday on Saturday, July 21 at Club North Haven.

Hazel said she was feeling pretty shy about the occasion but was grateful to everyone for being so lovely. 

“It will be lovely to see everyone again,” she said. 

Hazel said she would have to recruit the help of her great grandchildren to help her blow out the candles on the cake.