Long life of faith and fun
Farewell to Nell, aged 108
ELLEN “Nell” Harrison lived every one of her 108 years with determination, passion and a quick-witted sense of humour.
Her long, vibrant life was remembered by family and friends at a St Bernard’s Catholic Church service and mass yesterday.
Mrs Harrison died peacefully on June 30 surrounded by loving nieces Noreen and Trish.
While she lived much of her adult life in Belmont, Mrs Harrison was born in Moonambel in central Victoria in 1910. She was one of eight children and sister to Ett, Agnes, Catherine, Belle, Sam, Perce and Joe (all deceased).
The centenarian married later in life, aged 53, to Geelong publican Charlie who was a widower and father to five children.
The effervescent Mrs Harrison made Charlie work hard to earn her hand in marriage, turning down his first proposal after a fourmonth courtship and telling him in no uncertain terms to wait a little longer.
His patience paid off, and they were together 42 years until Charlie died aged 96.
Mrs Harrison always made a point of remaining busy — dedicating much of her life to charity, the Catholic Church and her many hobbies. She played tennis and golf and participated in bowls until 95 and took part in regular card games until 103.
Mrs Harrison had a lifelong love of the Geelong Football Club and regularly won the footy tipping competition at the aged care home where she lived her later years.
Her love for football was so strong that in 2010 she celebrated her 100th birthday as the oldest fan at Kardinia Park to watch Geelong play Port Adelaide.
The reverend Father Vincent Jewell told family and friends yesterday Mrs Harrison was the oldest person in the area.
A series of symbols from Mrs Harrison’s life was placed on her casket during the service, including a wedding photo.
Mrs Harrison travelled extensively and once told the Geelong Advertiser Switzerland and New Zealand were her favourite destinations.
Mrs Harrison — fondly known as Aunty Nell to her relatives — will be remembered by her 21 nieces and nephews and her many great and great-great nieces and nephews.