Re-Joyce-ing at Mrs Smith’s 100 years

By Djembe Archibald

Feb 29, 2024

1924 was an exciting year.

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The inaugural winter Olympics were held and New York’s first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade crowded the streets.

More locally, the only Kyabram-raised Victorian premier was sworn in, but most excitingly, Joyce Smith was born.

She recently celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends.

She was born in Melbourne and grew up in Essendon.

When she turned 16, she left high school to work for a financial company as an office assistant.

When World War II began, Mrs Smith worked for the Ministry of Defence as a clerk.

Happy couple: Merv and Joyce Smith at their wedding in 1945. Photo by Djembe Archibald

As the war wrapped up, Mrs Smith married her partner, Merv Smith and the couple had their first child, Margaret.

“We then moved to Tasmania, where my husband came from, and we lived there for 14 years,” she said.

“In that time, we had our other two children, Ray and Dianne.”

She joined a number of committees in Tasmania and later in Essendon as an ordinary member and office bearer.

Mrs Smith and her friend were the catalysts to complete a stone church in Tasmania that was started in 1857 and left unfinished — until Mrs Smith came along.

The project was completed in 1959.

In Mrs Smith's lifetime she and Mr Smith travelled extensively around Tasmania and mainland Australia, and took a trip to the British Isles and Europe.

Following their time in Tasmania, the family moved back to Mrs Smith’s family home in Essendon.

During COVID-19, Mrs Smith moved to Rochester and Elmore District Health Service before heading to Sheridan at the Kyabram and District Health Service.

Throughout her life, faith has always been important to her. She has attended Anglican Church her whole life.

“I’ve had a very full life,” Mrs Smith said.

Congratulated: Joyce Smith holding her card from King Charles and Queen Camilla. Photo by Djembe Archibald

Mrs Smith has had many additions to her family, currently having five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Mrs Smith’s daughter-in-law Sandy Smith said her family were all fond of Mrs Smith.

“They all love her, especially the little ones,” she said.

Mrs Smith’s advice to the world was to enjoy every day and indulge in the nice things in life, especially a glass of wine and a chocolate.

“Good living, but have a good sense of humour,” she said.

“Take life one day at a time and get involved in your community.”

Acknowledging the honour of living for 100 years, Mrs Smith has received cards from the King and Queen, the prime minister and other Australian politicians.

On Sunday, February 18, she celebrated her century of life with family and friends and again on Tuesday, February 20, with her Sheridan family by hosting a special lunch, as requested by Mrs Smith.