The secret to 101 years of life: Putting others before yourself.
Waratah Lodge resident, Ethel Pike last Thursday celebrated 101 years of life and says the secret to long living is to put others before yourself.
Ethel was one of six children whom was born in Orbost in 1921 and attended school in Murrongowar until the age of 13.5 when she left to look after her grandmother. 
Later going on to work for old Doc Nettleton taking care of day to day tasks and child minding until 1939 - 1945 when Ethel relocated to Armadale, Melbourne and continued to child mind which was a fitting career choice as her dream was always to be a children's nurse.
At the age of 21, Ethel's appendix burst resulting in a near-death experience. 
"I remember going to heaven but the gates wouldn't open. That experience changed my outlook on life- more thoughtful and caring," Ethel said.

IMAGE: Waratah Lodge resident, Ethel Pike celebrated her 101st birthday last Thursday, and says the secret to a long life is to put others before yourself. (PS)