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Born in 1913, Jean Dudley reached the 100-mark on February 21 and spent a special afternoon with friends and family on Sunday.

Her great nephew, Graeme Betts, said Ms Dudley was born on a Tallygaroopna farm — the youngest of 10 children.

‘‘She had five brothers and four sisters,’’ he said.

Mr Betts said Ms Dudley’s eldest brother was killed in 1917 in the Battle of Bullecourt in Northern France.

‘‘When he died she was four.

In letters he had referred to her.’’

He said she trained as a nurse at Mooroopna Hospital and carried out further training in Melbourne in child nursing.

‘‘Then she went to Bendigo where she trained in midwifery,’’ he said.

Mr Betts said Ms Dudley later worked in Shepparton at a medical practice.

‘‘Her parents were early settlers in the district and her mother’s parents were selectors in Tallygaroopna,’’ he said.

Mr Betts said on her father’s side the family members were early workers in the district who purchased a farming property.

Ms Dudley’s father also served on the Shepparton and Numurkah councils of the day and was a president of both, he said.

He said Ms Dudley lived for many years on Orr St in Shepparton.

She travelled to England and Scotland for a month and spent more time in England, he said.

‘‘Her friend Eva Woodman travelled with her.’’

Ms Dudley has a long association, too, with Wesley Uniting Church.

About 60 people turned out to the celebrations on Sunday — including doctors and former medical colleagues.

A niece from Tasmania and a niece from Sydney made the trip to see her.

Of reaching the milestone Ms Dudley said: ‘‘It seemed to all just happen — day by day.

It’s not hard to take, but to think you’re 100 is hard to take.

They’re a good crowd at helping you.’’

When asked about longevity, she replied, ‘‘Don’t ask me — I just work pretty hard and I’m enjoying it.’’