Century scored — Family first for Narrogin centenarian Veronica Willoughby

WA’s lockdown might have put grand celebrations on hold, but that did not stop Narrogin’s Veronica Willoughby marking her 100th birthday with close family on February 13.

Born and raised in the Wheatbelt, Ms Willoughby — previously O’Dea — moved to Narrogin in the early 1960s, working as the warden at the Narrogin Senior High School hostel.

She then moved to Perth, where she worked as the home supervisor at the Princess Margaret Hospital student nurses’ home from 1970 to 1982.

After living in Rockingham, she packed up and returned to Narrogin in 1998 to be with her two children, Trevor O’Dea and Noelene McPherson.

With four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, Ms Willoughby’s daughter Noelene said her family was her mother’s world.

“What I admire most about her is her loyalty, her strength and her love of family and friends,” Ms McPherson said.

After her planned century celebration was postponed last weekend, Ms Willoughby is looking forward to celebrating with her family and friends from across WA at a special party later this month.