Story & photo Eve Jeffery
The hundredth birthday celebration for long-time Brunswick Heads resident Jean Godden (nee Mortimer) was held at Brunswick Heads Bowling Club last Saturday, a joyous occasion with loved ones from near and far.
Jean was born on February 16, 1914 to Rose and Victor Mortimer. Jean went to school at both Brunswick Heads Public School and Mullumbimby High School and has many fond memories of the way Brunswick was in those times.
During her many years in Brunswick, Jean was involved with the CWA, Garden Club, RSL Ladies Auxiliary and View Club. She and her late husband Stuart built and operated for many years the Palm Court Holiday Accommodation in Fingal St and the building remains today.
Jean also enjoyed tennis and bowls in her younger years and was an excellent craftswoman donating many items to charity.
Technology was one of the major changes in her life, household appliances in particular. The hardest periods for her were the Great Depression years and the period of WWII. Jean says the best of times was the early 60s when she returned to Brunswick Heads from Newcastle to build and operate Palm Court accommodation, which was very successful for many years.
On Jean’s bucket list is to live to 101.
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