After some thought, Mary Mathis answered the quintessential question when asked the secret to long life on her 100th birthday celebration: “Don’t spend all your time trying to make other people happy”.

Wise words indeed, although the “iconic grandma” always made her family and friends very happy.

A milestone celebration at Athenree Life.

Mary celebrated her birthday this month at Athenree Life with those closest to her in an afternoon tea with cake and nibbles, speeches and a slide show of her life.

Other secrets to longevity, she divulged: surrounding herself with friends and family, living off the land with home kill and fresh produce... and having well-seasoned food with plenty with butter and sugar.

Grandson Cory Mathis said Mary was an incredible cook and the grandchildren were spoilt.

“She managed to trick into us into eating vegetables by sneaking them into our meals. We could never tell as she popped in lots of sugar and butter, we found this out later.”

She also attributed good health to a daily toddy with friends and keeping active (she mowed lawns and kept up her immaculate garden until age 90).

Mary’s family of eight.

Mary, of Swiss heritage, was born in Te Aroha on January 10, 1925, the youngest of eight. She spent most of her life with her husband Lou and son Murray on a dairy farm outside Waihi. She has two grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

She was well known in Waihi for cruising around in her shiny, red Mitsubishi Galant, which was followed, in later years, by her shiny, red mobility scooter.

She would often tease people on her journeys and teach people a bit of German. She loved Swiss music, including yodelling and accordion playing.

Mary with her husband Lou, left, and her son Murray.

Mary was excited for her birthday bash, saying on the big day: “I can’t believe today is my birthday. I’m 100, but I feel 21!”

Mary received letters from the King, the Prime Minister and the Mayor, which were presented by Cory, who helped her open her gifts as residents shared their best wishes. The family then moved the party to the Talisman Hotel.