CHAMPION dart player and crossword queen Dot Devine has notched up another win, turning 104 surrounded by family and friends.
Mrs Devine, or Dot as she is known, lives at Peninsula Village's Don Leggett House in Umina on the NSW Central Coast.
Despite outliving her husband Henry, Dot has had a rich life. She has not only lived through the Great Depression but both World Wars and has lived through the reign of 24 Australian prime ministers.
Great grandmother Dot was one of nine children and is the mother of two daughters.
"As one of nine children we had to do many things around the house and especially so as I was predominately raised by my mother as my father died when I was just seven. After raising my two daughters I also raised my two grandchildren from age four and five which kept me young and active," explained Dot.
While she is described by friends as optimistic who lives every day to the fullest, Dot says she isn't sure about the secret to living a long life but thinks it comes down to keeping the mind active.
"I have always had a strong passion for reading and love a good crossword challenge," said Dot.
Dot officially turned 104 on November 24 and celebrated with a special morning tea at Don Leggett House with other residents and members of her family. Peninsula Villages also gifted her with a chocolate bouquet and huge cake for everyone to enjoy.
"Dot is a special resident at Don Leggett House who brings a smile to the faces of other residents and our staff on a regular basis," said Peninsula Villages chief executive Shane Neaves.
"While Dot wanted a quiet affair it was only fitting to ensure that we marked this incredible milestone with a few sweet treats. Our centenary tradition is to gift our residents with a bouquet of flowers representative of their age, but with Dot receiving a huge bunch of gerberas for the last 4 years, we reverted to one of her favourite things, some good quality chocolate," he added.
Dot was one of the first residents to have moved into Don Leggett House 13 years ago.
Reminiscing about her life, Dot spoke warmly about her days working as a machinist, where she made lounges and mattresses back in the late 1930s, she was also an active volunteer doing charity work for Meals on Wheels and Legacy in her older age.
"I loved working and had a great interest in sewing and knitting once I had children. I was also a champion dart player and enjoyed playing tennis and have a fond interest in watching the professional tennis tournaments as well as listening to Judy Garland," said Dot.
With her 104th birthday now reached, Dot is looking forward to more great memories and to enjoying less focus on her.
"When we were recounting Dot's incredible achievements on Friday, she interrupted us and said, I charge by the hour you know!" said Mr Neaves.