Growing up on her family’s farm in 14 Mile Brook, near Narrogin, Mildred was the youngest of seven siblings. Her childhood was defined by hard work, strong family ties, and the profound loss of her father when she was only six years old. Milking cows, helping with the harvest, and walking over seven kilometres to school daily instilled in her a resilience and work ethic that shaped her life.
Mildred’s lifelong calling was to care for others. Inspired by her older sisters, she became a nurse and completed her training at Wooroloo and Kalgoorlie during World War II. Although she faced personal loss during the war, she found strength in her family’s encouragement, making her nursing career one of her proudest achievements.
In August 1948, Mildred married Raymond Underwood just eight months after their first date at the Exchange Hotel in Kalgoorlie, where it was love at first sight. Together, they raised four children—Yvonne, Denise, Noleen, and Neville—in Kalgoorlie and Narrogin before the family relocated to Mandurah in 1970.
Her nursing career continued in Mandurah, where she worked at Amana Living’s Wearne House for 13 years. She initially worked as a nursing sister before being promoted to Matron in 1971, a position she held until retiring in 1983.
Mildred’s love for the residents and staff led her to volunteer a significant amount of time outside work. This included establishing a fundraising body, the Wearne House Auxiliary Group, whose membership grew to include volunteers from the local Red Cross volunteer association. She also volunteered for Alzheimer’s WA in Mandurah after her husband’s diagnosis of the disease.
Outside of volunteering, Mildred’s passions lie in sports and travel. She has been a member of the Mandurah Bowling Club since 1973, was a team skipper until 2022, and continues to enjoy indoor bowls. Her love for travel took her and Raymond across Australia, exploring the country by caravan, and her passion for tennis saw her attend Wimbledon in England and the Australian Open in Melbourne.
Through it all, Mildred has remained a pillar of strength and wisdom for her family, friends, and the wider Mandurah community. Her advice for life is simple, inspired by the words shared with her mother when she left home: “Do not smoke or drink, and keep in touch with family.” Her strong Anglican faith inspires her and regularly attends services and gatherings.
Reflecting on her incredible milestone, Mildred says, “I never thought I’d reach 100. It’s unbelievable, but for some reason, His Lord Almighty decided I should still be here. The world has changed so much since I was young – from learning to drive my first car at 25 after a childhood riding horses to now using modern technology like an iPad.” Now, with her card from King Charles and Queen Camilla in hand, she celebrates surrounded by family, friends, and the caring community at Wearne House and Village.
“Mildred’s life is an inspiration,” said Stephanie Buckland, Chief Executive Officer of Amana Living. “Her decades-long association with Amana Living, tireless devotion to residents, and commitment to helping others reflect her remarkable spirit. We’re incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone with her.”
Mildred Underwood’s 100 years are a testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to giving back to the community she loves.
