Celebrating 100 years of Meryl

Maygrove Village resident, Meryl Wilson recently celebrated her 100th birthday ‘together with 100 family members.  

Born and raised on a farm in Kaukapakapa, Meryl grew up in a bustling household as one of 14 children. Each day, Meryl and her siblings walked 3.5 miles to Kaukapakapa School, a journey she remembers fondly. Longevity runs in Meryl’s family. Two of her sisters lived well past 100, one reaching the remarkable age of 106 and another 102. Meryl believes she will continue that legacy. She considers herself very lucky and credits her long life to a combination of good fortune, hard work, and above all, love.

At the age of 20, Meryl married a farmer, the right man, as she proudly says and together they shared a deep and lasting love, and raised four children. Today, Meryl’s family has grown to include six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. 

Meryl’s advice for a long and happy life is simple yet powerful: be honest with everyone, do the right things, and choose happiness. She believes growing up in a big family, working hard, helping others, and finding joy in everyday life has been key to her remarkable journey.

Meryl has called Maygrove home for the past 22 years and says she treasures every moment she has spent there. She speaks with heartfelt appreciation of the friends and staff who have become such an important part of her life. “They are all wonderful and really make me happy.”