Wynne winning at 106

At 106 years old, Winifred Ruge remains a determined woman, who knows what she wants, according to those who know her at Crossley Court.

She has lived at the Ōrewa rest home for three years and enjoys keeping to a daily routine.

Crossley Court manager Elaine Redulla says Winifred is happiest on sunny days, when she likes to walk around the facility with a caregiver, sit where she can enjoy the sun and chat with others.

“She can be very chatty and knows a lot of what is going on in New Zealand and around the world,” Elaine says. “She listens to the news and, whatever topic you talk about, she always has something to add.”

Wynne was born on May 19, 1918, in Walton on Thames, England. Most of her work was administrative and included being head of a department of 15 surgeons at Waikato Hospital. Wynne used to be involved with the Silverdale Historical Society and Herb Society. Among her interests are gardening, reading and listening to talkback radio.