Celebration for Edna

Abbey Gardens resident Edna Clarke celebrated her 100th birthday with family and fellow residents recently.

Edna was born on August 28, 1917 at Dimboola, to Gus and Bertha Paschke. Edna had two siblings, a brother Claude and sister Betty, who have both passed away.

Edna’s mother died due to complications during the birth of Betty. Her father died when she was only 14-years-old, leaving the children orphaned.

Edna was sent to live with an aunt at Wagga Wagga where she worked in their family bakery. While in Wagga Wagga, she met her future husband Albert Clarke. They married on July 2, 1938 at Tumblong in New South Wales.

They then settled at Holbrook where their three children were born - Jean, Brian, and Lois. Edna has nine grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren.

They later settled at Adelong where Albert operated the local butchery. Albert died a few months before their 50th wedding anniversary.

Edna lived at Longwarry with her son Brian and his family from 2010 until she moved into Abbey Gardens in February 2017.

On her birthday, the staff presented her with gifts and sang happy birthday, cutting a large pink and white sponge cake, which is Edna’s favourite cake.

Edna had letters from the Queen and local members of parliament, as well as many from well-wishers.