She’s just turned 100 years old, but if that wasn’t impressive enough Thelma de Mey thinks she’ll give 200 a go too! Why not?

Born February 16, 1924, in Tolaga Bay, Thelma is celebrating her triple-digit birthday with a smile and a yarn.

And at her age, she definitely has a story or two.

“I’ve been around you see,” says the centenarian.

It’s true.

After Tolaga Bay, Thelma spent much of her childhood growing up in Frankton, Waikato, and at just 17 years old she became a ‘Link Trainer’ in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force during WWII.

Trained to operate and maintain aircraft, Thelma says: “We had to keep them going in perfect order…we were mechanics”.

During these days Thelma was based in Wigram and Taieri.

“We were sent all over New Zealand. You weren’t allowed to tell anybody the work you did.”

The 1940s 

Reflecting on her favourite decade of her 100 years, Thelma picks the 1940s too, or as she calls “the war years”.

“I’d never met people like I had in the Air Force…I met lovely girls in the Air Force who asked me home to stay.

"It was beautiful. They were beautiful.”

Thelma de Mey became a ‘Link Trainer’ in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force during WWII at age 17. Photo: Brydie Thompson.

It was in 1945 when Thelma married late husband and return pilot, Douglas de Mey.

They had four children – Annette, Janice, Geoff and late eldest son Ian. Since then Thelma has also gained 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Thelma says her youngest son, who lives locally, often brings her treats to Accadia Manor Care Home where she resides, like make-up and chocolates.

Yet, she doesn’t have too many sweet treats these days.

“I’ve cut sugar down but sometimes I get a feeling…I like a little sugar urge.”

Don’t we all!

Thelma’s tricks 

Perhaps sweetness in moderation is the secret to Thelma’s longevity? But she has other theories too.

“Plenty of exercise.

"I think it’s the biking I did and the running over paddocks and farms to get to primary school.”

She’s also doesn’t drink alcohol.

“I didn’t involve myself in a lot of drinking…and I liked helping others.

"I was always helping others.”

Thelma volunteered at Care and Craft in Tauranga, supporting housebound people, and those with disabilities.She was also a Brown Owl in the Brownies.

“Tu-whit tu-whoo!”

So what are her most important values from her century of life?

“Honesty. I think honesty is the main thing, and friendship. Meeting people, and everyday there’s something…I like this home.

"Since I’ve been here the girls have been lovely. I find them very nice.”

“I really have had some really nice girlfriends in life.”

Now Thelma’s met the mighty milestone of 100, what’s next?

“I’ll try to get to 200…you never know.

"There are Japanese people.I’ve been overseas and seen Japanese women that are very old.”

She’s certainly a go getter!

“I feel as though I’ve got my faculties. I’ll just take it a day by day.”