Jean’s looking good after 100 years

100 NOT OUT: Jean Richardson toasts her birthday last weekend.

NEWTOWN’S Jean Richardson always jokes about someone making a miscalculation when they bring up her age.
“She says she doesn’t feel she’s 100,” says granddaughter Kathryn Cotter.
She certainly doesn’t look it, either, as a photo from Mrs Richardson’s birthday last weekend clearly attests.
“We had a lovely party at my home in Geelong West,” Ms Cotter said.
“Fifty family and friends celebrated, with many guests from interstate and country Victoria.”
Some dignitaries participated in writing, with the Queen, Prime Minister, Governor General and her local federal MP all sending Mrs Richardson letters of congratulation on the milestone.
“She’s waiting at the letterbox for one from the new premier,” Ms Cotter said.
The youngest of eight children, Mrs Richardson was born in McKillop St, just blocks away from her present home.
She married Maxwell Richardson in 1943. The couple raised three children in Noble St, Newtown.
“Jean was a very keen gardener, volunteer and involved with St David’s Church,” Ms Cotter said.
“A couple of years ago, after 60 years in the family home, she moved into local nursing home Brentwood. She now has four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.”