She celebrated the occasion yesterday morning by sharing a chocolate cake with the residents of her rest-home before going out for lunch.
About 15 family members were able to make it to the occasion, some flying in from Australia.
She sat at the centre of the table with a "Birthday Queen" sash over her shoulder.
Mrs Timmings, nee Newman, said it was lovely to spend time with her family for her birthday.
She was born in Bow in London in 1922.
She grew up as a "Cockney kid" but avoided picking up the accent by having the privilege of a good education, she said.
As a young woman she was an active member and leader in the Scouts, where she met her future husband Leslie.
When World War 2 was declared she joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force.
Mrs Timmings was stationed with legendary pilot Douglas Bader’s squadron at the Royal Air Force base at Biggin Hill.
She recorded information from missions and completed other clerical work.
She survived the German bombings during the Blitz and eventually reached the rank of corporal.
In 1956 she moved to New Zealand with her husband and children.
Her husband died in the 1970s and she lived alone until the late 1990s, when she moved to Montecillo Veterans Home and Hospital.
She made it through a few bouts of cancer and last month battled Covid-19.
She did not have too many symptoms, but had to stay in her room and could not get busy with much.
The worst part was how isolating it felt, she said.
Mrs Timmings has two children, four grandchildren and four great-grand children.
She was pleased to receive notes of birthday congratulations from the Queen, the Prime Minister, the Governor-General, the Mayor of Dunedin and from the city of London, she said.
