Veronique Philipa Ellis - 100 years

There is a softness in the way Véronique speaks about her life, a warmth that reflects a century lived with purpose learning and the deepest kind of love. Now celebrating her one hundredth birthday and recently honoured at the My Guardian Centenarians Lunch, she shares memories of her childhood in Jersey her professional accomplishments and the remarkable seventy nine year marriage that shaped her life.

Véronique was born in Jersey in the Channel Islands surrounded by the beauty of the English Channel. She later studied anatomy and physiology and proudly served as a St Johns ambulance officer. Her commitment to helping others and her passion for learning stayed with her throughout her life.

She and her husband travelled widely before eventually coming to Australia. Her husband was a construction engineer and became a very famous man as he was in charge of the construction of the Opera House for seven years. These were extraordinary times in their lives filled with purpose pride and adventure.

When Véronique speaks about her husband her voice fills with affection. She says he was the first person to bring her joy and he is still with her today at one hundred and five years of age. She describes their life together as one big hug and cuddle from beginning to end.

They have been married for seventy nine years and she says they were very very fortunate to have such a happy marriage. Although her husband is declining with age he still knows when she is near reaches for her and holds her hand all day if she stays with him. Véronique says gently that he was the only man in her whole life.

It is a love story as rare as it is beautiful.

Véronique looks back on her life with gratitude for the opportunities she had the travels she shared with her husband and the knowledge she gained through her studies and service. Her story reflects strength devotion and an extraordinary partnership that endured almost eight decades.

Véronique’s life is a testament to dedication partnership and grace. Her story is filled with learning service and an enduring love that continues to shine even after one hundred years. We are honoured to celebrate her remarkable journey.

On 23 October 2025, Veronique joined remarkable Australians aged 100 and over at the My Guardian Centenarians Lunch at NSW Parliament House. The gathering earned a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the largest gathering of centenarians and celebrated more than fifteen thousand combined years of lived experience.

The celebration also aligned with the national transition to the Support at Home program which will help older Australians access personalised care and greater independence. It highlighted the continuing importance of Home Care Packages for those who wish to live safely and comfortably in their own homes.

Veronique’s story reflects the importance of meaningful care understanding and companionship as people age. Many older Australians benefit from Home Care Packages or the new Support at Home program which offer personalised support to help them continue living well. Some residents also receive additional help from organisations such as My Guardian a trusted aged care and disability provider that helps older Australians maintain independence with tailored in home care.

These supports together with family love and community connection ensure that remarkable people like Veronique continue enjoying the memories and moments that matter most.

In the spirit of Australia Day, we acknowledge the people whose lives quietly shaped our country. Her journey reminds us that Australia’s identity is built not only through milestones, but through lived experience, love and resilience across generations.