Dominoes keep the mind active for centenarian

BY SANDRA SIAGIAN

AGNES Martin credits living a good life with her late husband “Bert” and her Scottish blood for reaching such a ripe old age.

The great-grandmother, who has plenty to smile about, celebrated her 105th birthday surrounded by family and friends on Sunday. Agnes Wilson Annandale was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on February 26, 1907.

She migrated to Australia with her family in 1909. They settled at Mortdale and she attended school at the Church Hall on Forest Road, Peakhurst. Mrs Martin worked as a solicitor before starting at Edwards Dunlop, where she learned to use the electronic accounting machine, which she loved. It was there she met her husband Herbert Martin. After dating for three years they married at Dulwich Hill in 1935. They built a home at Penshurst before later moving to Woniora Road, Hurstville, where they remained for about 15 years. They also lived in Cronin Avenue, Hurstville, before they retired to Nelson Bay, where they spent 25 years. They later moved to the central coast to be closer to family before they settled in Menai in 1996. Herbert died later that year after 61 years of marriage. Mrs Martin remained in her home until May 2010.

She has one son, three granddaughters and eight great-grandchildren as well as many friends made while travelling around the world with her husband. Mrs Martin now lives at Southhaven Retirement Village at Padstow Heights. She loves her weekly outings with family, as well as knitting, reading and afternoon games of dominoes.

St George and Sutherland Shire Leader.