BAROSSA Village resident Win Rasmus may have turned 100 this week, but her mind is still sharp and she is still an active member of her community.
On Thursday, Mrs Rasmus got to experience two birthday parties in celebration of her milestone birthday due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Despite the pandemic hurdle, her friends, family and Barossa Village staff gathered as she received her letter from the Queen and an array of other gifts.
“It was just absolutely beautiful,” she said.
“They had it decorated lovely with balloons.
“I had to open all my letters and everything twice, because we were only allowed 15 at the table.
“I got letters from the Governor General, (Prime Minister) Scott Morrison and from the Queen, and everyone was so impressed that I could still read them all without glasses on at 100-years-old.
“I nearly broke down three times while I was reading but I pulled myself together. They did a wonderful job for me.”
Mrs Rasmus was born in Riverton on May 21, 1920, and was the eldest of three siblings.
She met her husband Claude at a strawberry fete where he was playing in a band. They married and moved into an 18 acre farm at Farrel Flat, outside of Clare.
The couple had three boys – Neil, Linday and Geoff – and enjoyed playing tennis, with Mrs Rasmus’ first racquet made by her dad out of board.
Mr Rasmus passed away in 1996, with Mrs Rasmus living in several places around Australia – including Victoria and the Northern Territory – before settling back to Adelaide and eventually moving to the Barossa.
“I’ve got that many memories,” she said.
“For my speech yesterday I said ‘I have gathered a lifetime of beautiful memories – but none were as good as today.
“Today’s memory was absolutely beautiful. They made this party for me and it was lovely.”
Despite her age, Mrs Rasmus is known throughout Barossa Village for her sense of humour and funny stories.
She is still involved with the village’s residents committee and keeps her mind active with word games.