Along with Queen Elizabeth II, Harden resident Gloria Corey celebrated her 90th birthday with a surprise party for approximately 100 at the Harden Country Club on Saturday. After recovering from her huge surprise Gloria enjoyed a cucumber sandwich or two and enjoyed chatting to a contingent of family and friends who travelled from Sydney, Canberra, Port Macquarie, Queanbeyan and the central coast to attend. They ranged in age from 9 weeks (her great, great, great niece Vienna Jane Leonard being the youngest), to 90 years young. Gloria still lives an independent life, cooking and washing for herself. She does however, have some assistance from Homecare. Gloria was born in Wombat. She was one of 11 children, the second youngest and as she said, she is now the last one left.
Her niece Linda Hearne was a Local legend in the Twin Town Times last year. Linda’s mum Emily Winbank and Gloria were sisters. After her mother passed away when she was 16, she moved into Harden to work at the mill house and the clothing factory. She then moved to Sydney to live with her sister for a time. She met her husband John at Captain’s Flat and they then lived at Campbelltown for 23 years before returning to Murrumburrah. They moved on to Narellan for two years before returning to Harden 11 years ago. Sadly, John passed away just six weeks after their return to the district. Gloria has two sons, Trevor and Garry, 4 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Gloria who definitely does not look her age, can be regularly seen riding her gopher around the streets of the twin towns. She keeps her mind busy with craft, crosswords and senior citizens where she plays cards and joins in other activities. The party extended well into the evening after a sumptuous lunch was enjoyed by all. When asked what was the recipe for a long life, Gloria said, “Keep busy, I don’t feel 90 but I am a bit like an old car, the parts are wearing out.” Congratulations on achieving 90 years and Happy Birthday, Gloria!
