Friends and family gather for Mollie’s 100th birthday

Invercargill woman Mollie Metzger celebrated her 100th birthday in her own home yesterday, alongside sister-in-law Dorreen Metzger and other friends and family (standing, from left) caregiver Ivy Perriam, friends Jan Stevenson-Brown and Joyce Gilbertson, neighbours Linda and Bob Stevenson, friend Erin Jennings, nephew-in-law Robin Laing and niece Michele Metzger-Laing.

Family and friends described Mrs Metzger as having lived a very creative life as a dressmaker and business owner for more than 30 years, a lover of the garden and a wonderful person.

A descendant of businessmen Martin and uncle Joseph (Josef) Metzger, who moved to Invercargill about 1893, her lineage had a long history in the Southland town.

Mrs Metzger said she had lived a very active life but joked she was ‘‘not getting any younger’’.