Newspaper Article 1999 – Love, sunshine recipe for a contented life

Love, sunshine recipe for a contented life

ANNA LORCK

“I’ve had lots of love and sunshine all of my life,” says Rosalie Prescott as she smiles and looks back on her 100 years.

Today Mrs Prescott, celebrating a “century of living”, is very happy to say she has enjoyed a contented, simple life on the land at her home at Kopua, near Takapau.

Mrs Prescott came as a bride from Dunedin to farm in the district with her husband Tomas [Thomas] George, and she has lived there happily ever since.

“I love the open country life. I was number six of seven children and didn’t like the city,” she said.

“I’ve taken things as they come and when there’s good things I’ve made the best of them.

“I had very good parents and 42½ years of marriage to a wonderful husband whom I lost 33 years ago,” she said.

“And my good son John, who I live with, takes care of me and makes it possible for me to enjoy my country life.”

She loves golf and enjoyed playing at Takapau and Hastings to a 10 handicap.

“I never made it to single figures. I had the ability but not the temperament. When the strain was on, I’d go to pieces,” Mrs Prescott said.

Gardening was another of life’s great pastimes, and Mrs Prescott is passionate about the many camellias she has planted which are in full bloom for her birthday.

To celebrate her birthday Mrs Prescott is having a private party with her family and friends at the neighbouring monastery Southern Star Abbey.

Photo caption – GARDENING is one of Rosalie Prescott’s passions.