STARS patient Joy joins elite centenarian club

Joy Harvey celebrated turning 100 years old during her in-patient stay at the Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) in February surrounded by family, friends and staff.

Born in outback Queensland in Cunnamulla, Joy was one of nine children, who eventually moved to Brisbane by the time the children were in primary school.

Joy married Mick Harvey, who played first-class cricket for both Victoria and Queensland. Later in his career, Mick was an umpire for the Test match between Australia and India. They had two daughters Kristine and Pauline. Sadly, Mick passed away in 2016.

Joy’s daughter Kristine recounted memories of her mother being a dressmaker, starting off sewing uniforms for officers in the army and later finding her niche in making wedding dresses.

“She made her first wedding dress when she was 17, and last one when she was in her 80s,” Kristine said.

“Everything we wore was hand made by mum, from pyjamas to blazers.

“She took particular pride in wedding dresses. She wanted to make the brides happy and make their day special.”

Close family and friends gathered in the family room at STARS to watch Joy open letters from the King, Governor-General, Prime Minister, and Queensland Premier and share some cake and fond memories.

Joy shared her secret to living to 100, what the secret to happy marriage is, and her fondest memories in her life.

“Don’t drink, don’t smoke and eat healthy,” Joy said.

“After 70 years of marriage, the secret to a happy marriage is to really love someone who loves you back.”

“My fondest memory in my life, was him. Simply for his genteel and his love of me.”