Douglas Shire's first ever female Councillor celebrates 100th birthday
MILESTONE
Contributor Article
A former FNQ school teacher and the Douglas Shire’s first ever female councillor celebrated her 100th birthday just days ago.
Great-grandmother Beatrice Tessier marked her milestone birthday with a high tea with family and friends at her home, the Carinity Cedarbrook aged care community on the Gold Coast.
Beatrice was born in Bundaberg in 1923. Her life’s passion was education. At the age of 14 she moved to Warwick to become a teacher.
During a teaching career which spanned half a century, Beatrice taught at schools in Warwick, Toowoomba, Brisbane, Mossman and Miallo.
Whilst working at Mossman State School, Beatrice was the first woman elected to Douglas Shire Council, serving from 1976 to 1979.
Beatrice spent many years tutoring in later life after her retirement. This gave her great pleasure and a sense of joy watching her students achieve.
Beatrice, who has three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, says the secret to her long life is keeping mentally active and contributing to her community.
Guests from as far away as Sydney, including students that Beatrice taught, attended her birthday party.