The birthday girl pictured with staff from Jemalong Residential Villiage, Helen Dumbrell, Sharmane Clarke, Lucy King, Merryl Morris, Sue Smith and Anita Rutherford.
Isabella “Billie” Mattiske is a much loved resident of the Jemaolng Residential Villiage in Forbes, and on 24th June she celebrated an impressive milestone, her 106th birthday.
Isabella earned the nickname “Billie” after Prime Minister Billie Hughes, as they were both seen to be avid talkers and lovers of a great debate.
Billie is an accomplished home economics teacher, and taught renowned chef Margaret Fulton how to cook; a story that she recounts quite fondly and proudly.
A few favorite hobbies she has enjoyed over the years are playing 500, tennis and a love of gardening.
Going to town on a Friday to have lunch with her friends was a beloved pastime, and two of the things Billie was renowned for were her Anzac Biscuits and ginger fluff sponge cake.
Billie moved to Forbes to continue with teaching career. When she arrived and stepped off of the train, was the exact moment she met Eddie, the man whom she would marry. Billie has one son named Brian, two grandsons and six great grandchildren.
Billie went on to report that she thoroughly enjoyed her birthday cake, and when asked how she felt, stated: “I can’t believe that I am 106!” She then proceeded to thank the staff of Jemalong Residential Village for singing happy birthday to her.