How this 110-year-old Aussie mum is celebrating Mother's Day during coronavirus

Mabel Crosby is expecting lots of gifts for Mother’s Day this year, and so she should.

At 110 years old, Mabel Crosby is Australia’s oldest known resident and with offspring from children to great-great-grandchildren, and has seen more Mother’s Days than most could dream of.

Through two world wars, a nuclear scare or two, and all the upheaval of the past century, there is very little that can disturb Mabel these days, and as the world bunkers down in unprecedented, and scary times she says now more than ever is a time to celebrate the ones we love most.

“Mother’s Day will be different for every family across Australia this year but it’s more important than ever to give mums the special day they deserve – even in self-isolation,” she tells Yahoo Lifestyle.

As a vulnerable person to the coronavirus, Mabel has been self-isolating in her home at a Queensland nursing home and will celebrate this Mother’s Day with just her daughter.

At 110 Mabel has tragically lost one of her four children, and has three daughters still living, the youngest 78.

She has 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and now a fourth generation of eight great-great-grandchildren who will all be bidding her a happy Mother’s Day over video call.

Coronavirus ‘like wartime’ says Mabel

When it comes to coping with the coronavirus lockdown, Mabel says her experiences have more than prepared her.

The Queenslander says our current position reminds her of wartime when people were forced to bunker down and support one another.

“I’ve lived through tough times before, including two world wars and the Great Depression, so I’m coping relatively well with the coronavirus pandemic,” she says.

“In those days I had to be resilient and remain hopeful that better days were ahead. I think it’s important to have that mindset now too, as things will eventually get better.”

Aussies need to celebrate this year ‘more than ever’

Mabels’ encouraging words come as Big W reveals a recent survey showed up to 30% of Aussies were considering ditching Mother’s day celebrations altogether this year.

She has partnered with the Aussie chain to share some adorable gift ideas but says it’s presence rather than presents that matter most.

“As well as sharing a meaningful gift with your mothers, make sure celebrate via video call or phone call and let your mum know how much she means to you,” the centenarian advises.

As for the best gift she’s received?

Well, she may have over 100 examples to choose from but she remains a woman of simple taste.

“I’d have to say the best Mother’s Day gift I’ve received was a jumper in my favourite colour, blue,” she says.

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