“I’ve met lots of lovely people and I think everyone should come through Scone at some point for a little bit of happiness,” she said.

“But – I don’t want too many people to come, they might think it’s too nice!” 

Mrs Ryan reached the century milestone on Sunday however officially celebrated the occasion on Monday surrounded by family, friends and staff at Strathearn House.

The morning included a special morning tea, birthday cake, plenty of gifts and fond memories as well as best wishes from a room full of those closest to her. 

Mab Ryan was born at Carlton, Sydney on Saturday March 18 1918, one of two children.

Growing up in Sydney, Mab went to school at South Carlton and later attended St George High School.

Leaving at the age of fifteen to help her mother, Mab met her husband Clifford (Clift) Ryan while taking piano classes.

The two married in 1939 at St Michael's, Recluse, Sydney and lived in a one-bedroom flat in Bondi Junction before buying their first home.

A mother to two children - Jill Richards and John Ryan – Mab has five grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Clift worked for Fairfax Media as a journalist for 50 years before retiring from the company at the age of 65 although he continued to work until the age of 80 casually with the Daily Telegraph.

Mab recalled fond memories of living in Coolangatta for fourteen years with her husband in a unit overlooking the beach, watching the surfers on their surfboards every morning.

“I went walking every morning on the beach, we would often have picnics on the beach,” she recollected.  

They sold the unit when Clift got sick and came to Scone where he was put in care at Strathearn Village before passing away.

Mab lived in the Strathearn units for thirteen years before moving to the William Dumaresq Wing at Strathearn Village in 2016.

Her hobbies in the early days were walking, swimming, sewing and playing the piano however she still walks every morning and says keeping mobile is the key to a long life.

“I had to walk to school as we had no public transport so I always walked everywhere and I continue to walk,” she recalled. “You’ve just got to keep mobile.”

Mab also keeps her mind busy by reading a lot and participating in the activities at Strathearn.

Activities officer at Strathearn Anne Meier said it has been an honour and a privilege to nurse someone as special as Mab.

“She inspires us every single morning,” she said. “We look up to her for her answers and inspiration every day.”