When Gwendoline Peace Pollard entered the world on July 12, 1919, the dust from World War I had barely settled.
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With a middle name inspired by the era she was born into, a century later Mrs Pollard plans to celebrate her 100th birthday in style, with those she loves most.
As a mother of three, a grandmother of six, a great-grandmother of 11 and a great-great-grandmother of three, Mrs Pollard's daughter Cheryl Martin said there was plenty of love to go around.
"Family has always been everything to mum. That's what she always wanted," she said.
"We are all just grateful to see her happy and healthy."
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Born in Launceston Mrs Pollard - nee Fisher - grew up at Mount Cameron in the state's North East.
After meeting husband Frank in Queensland, the couple returned to Tasmania to raise their family - enjoying 70 years of marriage together.
This included time between Launceston and Queensland, where the couple took advantage of some "warmer weather" as part of their retirement.
However, as they got older Mrs Martin said her parents missed their family too much and decided to move back to Tasmania.
After her husband passed away in 2002, Mrs Pollard continued to live independently for more than a decade.
Up until her 95th birthday, she was still doing yoga and walking into town every day.
Mrs Martin said her mother had never stepped foot in a pub - something she credits with her longevity.
"She has never had a drink and she's never had a smoke," she said.
"She has always been very healthy and I think she made a real effort to pass that onto us."
Now living with dementia at Mount Esk Aged Care, Mrs Martin said her mother's 100th birthday would be a celebration of a long life, well lived
"Her mind might not be well, but her spirit is," she said. "It's not every day that the whole family gets together, so it will be very special.
"We will all make the most of every moment we have together."
In recognition of reaching the 100-year milestone, Mrs Pollard has received letters of congratulations from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Governor General His Excellency David Hurley, Governor of Tasmania Her Excellency Kate Warner and Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
