A century of strength: Rita O’Brien turns 100

“I just try to do my best,” Rita said.

That mindset has carried Rita through a century marked by love, loss, and a life built around family.

With 10 children, 12 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren, Rita’s life has been anything but quiet.

She was always active, riding her bicycle around town until she was 90.

Despite turning 100, Rita still lives independently at home and enjoys getting out whenever she can, especially as her milestone approaches.

She will mark the occasion with three celebrations within three days.

Beginning with the Magellan Ladies’ Club at Park Lake Motel, followed by a family gathering at her son’s home, and a final event at Carrington with the Legacy War Widows Guild.

Born in Parramatta, NSW on April 19, 1926, Rita moved with her parents and three brothers to Shepparton in 1938.

“My parents were born in Cobram, and thought Shepparton might be a good place to go,” Rita said.

“I left school before I turned 13, after I got my 8th grade merit certificate.

“I was very shy growing up, and I didn't like going to secondary school, so I stayed home while mum worked at the cannery.

“When I got to age 14, I went out to work at the egg grading,” she said.

Rita later worked at SPC and the old Hazelwood fruit factory.

Many of Rita’s family members have worked in Shepparton’s fruit industry.

In fact, it was at the Hazelwood that she met Leo O’Brien.

It was a whirlwind romance; Leo would walk her home and take her to the Astor Theatre, and before long, they were engaged.

The pair were married on May 12, 1951.

Leo worked at SPC for almost 34 years and served in New Guinea during World War II.

One of the couple’s daughters Leonie said Leo built the house Rita still lives in today.

“He wasn't a builder, but he always wanted to give mum a brick home,” Leonie said.

“He built this house within 18 months, it was finished in 1960,” Rita said.

Together, Rita and Leo raised 10 children: Gary, Des, Trish, Leonie, Anne, Maree, Brendan, Mark, Peter and Greg.

As the children were growing up, Rita remembers going for drives with the family and happy times at Benalla gardens.

“On the way home, I would buy 12 choc wedges. The man would ask, ‘Are you having a party?’ and I would say, ‘No, just family,’” Rita said with a smile.

“After I had all the kids, I went back to SPC about a year after my youngest was born.”

Reflecting on 100 years of life, loss inevitably comes up.

Rita’s husband passed away in 2007, and she has now lost four of her children.

“The last one I lost was only 52, he had brain cancer,” she said.

“After I lost Mark, I experienced some anxiety, so now I try and keep busy and stay strong.

“You have to practice being positive, which can be easier said than done.”

Leonie said her mother’s resilience and faith have helped her through difficult times.

“No-one wants to lose their children before they go, but she's got good faith” Leonie said.

Today, Rita remains grateful for the life she has built and the family that surrounds her.

“Not many people get to see great-grandchildren, but she’s got 31,” Leonie said.

Despite starting to get a little unsteady on her feet, Rita continues to enjoy simple outings like lunch, coffee, or a trip to the shops.

“Leonie’s good, she takes me in the wheelchair to the marketplace,” Rita said.

Leonie said her mum doesn't want to be sitting at home every day.

“We take her out for dinner, you've got to do it while you can,” Leonie said.

Rita values her independence, with a carer and cleaner providing support when needed.

Having saved to buy her first home at just 23, independence has been a constant throughout her life.

As she prepares to celebrate her 100th birthday surrounded by generations of family, Rita remains focused on what has carried her this far.

“I always try to keep a positive attitude,” Rita said.