Far from being a daunting prospect, the approach of birthday number 100 adds another year of memories to those already stored by Trangie's Dot Collie and invokes a sense of appreciation for the fact that she is still able to enjoy life, making the most of every day given her.
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Born in Sydney on February 16, 1915, the second of four children born to the Coady family, Dorothy Margaret grew up in Trangie. She was educated at St John's Catholic School and is today, arguably, the oldest surviving ex-student and also Trangie's oldest resident. Dot spent her teenage years helping run her grandmother's tea shop in Derribong Street, on the site where the CWA rooms now stand.
It was during these years that Dot developed a work ethic that was to accompany her throughout the many productive years ahead and which, at 99, is still predominant in all she does. A capable craftswoman, Dot has produced what would now be hundreds of knitted articles for charity: tiny garments for premature babies in Africa, knitted squares for the charity Wrapped with Love and of course, innumerable pieces for family and friends.
For the thousands of tiny babies born into the impoverishment of Third World countries, these gifts from the heart would have played a significant part in reducing the mortality rate. In 1937 Dot married local boy George Cronin and the couple made their home at The Grove where they raised three children, Margaret, Lyn and Peter. Tragically a second son died in infancy. Dot moved to town after George's death in 1984. Bowls became a big interest in her life: she enjoyed many trips away as a team member and was made a life member of Trangie Bowling Club.
In 1986 Dot married Frank Collie. After Frank's death in 2004 Dot moved into Kurrajong Court where she very quickly settled into the routine of communal living and became a much-loved and respected resident, helping out when and where she could.
Alongside her craftwork, Dot names gardening as her other love.
Dot spends her days either knitting or crocheting.
While she admits to moving a little slower than she did 20 years ago, Dot is still a force to be reckoned with when it comes to turning out impeccably made knitted items.
At 99, some days are good for Dot and some are not so good.
On the good days Dot can be found in her room happily knitting and communicating with the aid of a sight board as her hearing has deteriorated over the years.
Many times a grandmother and a great-great grandmother to three, Dot attributes her longevity to 'hard work and good living,' an inspirational lady who is most assuredly, a hidden treasure.
