She’s Shirley from Shirley – and she’s as sharp as a tack for a lady celebrating her 100th birthday today!

It was the 20th of October 1923, exactly 100 years ago, when Shirley Miller was born in Shirley, Christchurch.

“I was the sixth in the family and I think my mother had run out of names,” says Shirley, who lived in her namesake suburb for 60 years. Here she was married to her late husband Eric, where they raised their children.

Shirley Miller as a young child with her brother Bill. Photo: John Borren/SunLive.

During her South Island working days Shirley was a ladies’ hairdresser.

It’s easy to tell by the 100-year-old’s well-styled locks and she’s still got it when it comes to wielding a pair of scissors.

“I still do my own hair – right here – I do it myself.”

‘An inspiration’

Well and truly into her retirement now, Shirley lives at Sunridge Estate in Welcome Bay and has been there for 30 years.

“It’s so lovely here. Everybody’s so kind.”

Neighbours Rose and Robbie Shaw are certainly proud of the centenarian.

Rose says “it’s a real privilege” living next to Shirley. “She is an inspiration to us all,” says Robbie.

“She’s as sharp as a tack and loves being out in the garden.”

Shirley keeps her cards close to her chest when asked the key to a long and healthy life.

“I don’t know. I don’t have any tips. I’m probably just lucky.”

But it could be her thriving vege garden sustaining her.

“See my vegetables and how well they grow for me.”

Shirley Miller in her beautiful garden that she tends to everyday. Photo: John Borren/SunLive.

Or perhaps Shirley’s longevity comes from her addiction to vitamin C-rich kiwifruit.

“I had to get a hold of myself with kiwifruit and had to sign myself off to just one a day.”

What’s more, Shirley exercises every single day.

When she moved to the estate 30 years ago, Shirley says a friendly neighbour gave her a fitness demo.

“She’s from Japan and very kindly came over with her Japanese exercises and demonstrated for me how to do them, and I’ve been doing them ever since!”

No regrets

The centenarian doesn’t have any regrets reflecting on her 10 decades either.

“I’ve lived a full and happy life…I mean after all, what are regrets anyway? I certainly tried to do everything I wanted to do while I could; and if you leave it too long, well that’s your fault.”

Shirley Miller with her birthday card from King Charles II and Queen Camilla. Photo: John Borren/SunLive.

Celebrating the big 100 today, Shirley will be surrounded by loved ones who are travelling from around NZ.

“I’ve got six great-grandchildren and five grandchildren.They’re all coming so I imagine I’ll be overflowing.”

“Everyone will have a finger in the pie and will see I’ve got no creases, no wrinkles or anything like that on the day.”

Who needs skincare with a mindset like that?

Have a wonderful 100th birthday Shirley!

A photograph of Shirley Miller’s late husband Eric and herself. Photo: John Borren/SunLIve.