Mercy Health Home Care Services client Elsie Mallard probably never thought she would make it to 100 years of age, let alone celebrate it in the midst of a global pandemic. As it turns out, life is full of surprises.
Her 100th birthday was not the first time Elsie had celebrated a milestone in the shadow of extraordinary circumstances. In 1941, she spent her 21st birthday with friends in a building corridor, serenaded by air-raid sirens blaring through the streets of London during The Blitz of World War II. “It was quite an experience for her,” says her son, Ric.
Mercy Health Home Care Services client Elsie Mallard turned 100 on 16 May this year.
Thankfully, Elsie was entertained by a six-piece brass band on her 100th birthday and not air-raid sirens. The band came from her home church, The Salvation Army Mooroolbark Corps, and played her favourite hymns in the front yard of her house: Old Hundredth, Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art. Elsie sat on the front porch and soaked in the tunes, which have sustained her throughout the years. She was also cheered by a steady stream of visitors — good friends, family and even Nine News, who came to interview her about reaching this incredible milestone. “I enjoyed the day very, very much. It was tremendous,” says Elsie.
Born on 16 May 1920 in Killamarsh in North East Derbyshire, England, Elsie was an independent spirit from the beginning. Her earliest memory was running a mile and a half away from home at the age of two. The middle child of six siblings, she left school in 1934 at the age of 14 to work at a cotton factory before moving to London in 1940 to study at William Booth Memorial Training College. There she trained to be a Salvation Army officer in the thick of World War II. During the nights Elsie and the other cadets would sleep on mattresses in the college basement, safely away from the bombs that would pound the city. By day she would study and serve tea to the firemen, servicemen and everyday people who were suffering in the streets of London.
I enjoyed the day very, very much. It was tremendous.
Her Christian faith has always been important to Elsie and, she says, one of the secrets to her long life. The other secret is her family. After marrying in 1947, she gave birth to three boys and migrated to Australia in 1960. She now boasts three beautiful grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Elsie with one of her three beloved sons, Ric Mallard.
With the support of Mercy Health Home Care Services for tasks such as cleaning and shopping, Elsie can live independently at home and continue caring for her son. Ric became a quadriplegic in 1974 after being in a terrible accident. “I can’t live on my own and she has always been that back up and support for me,” says Ric. Likewise, Elsie says “taking care of my son, Ric” is what has kept her going all these years.
It is no surprise, then, that Elsie’s proudest life achievement comes from the same devoted, maternal heart. “I have loved being a mother and having a family. When you hold your first baby in your arms, that is something to be very proud of. It’s one of my favourite memories,” she says.
Last reviewed July 29, 2020.