INVERELL'S Nellie Leader celebrated her 90th birthday with two parties on Sunday, one with her friends and residents at McLean Retirement Village and another with relatives. About 25 relatives from as far away as Brisbane and Sydney, including her sister Daisy Hough and brothers Dick and Norman Redman, attended Mrs Leader's lunch party at the village.

Mrs Leader's sons Geoffrey (Sydney) and Peter (Gunnedah) and daughters Marilyn (Inverell) and Flo (Yamba) all helped her mark the special occasion. Her son Chris from Coffs Harbour was unable to make it to the party.

The family also made time to remember Mrs Leader's husband Les, another son Jim and daughter Margaret, all deceased.

Jim's wife Irene also attended Mrs Leader's party.

Mrs Leader has lived at Inverell's McLean Retirement Village for about two years after previously living at Delungra for about 60 years.

Mrs Leader told relatives at her party she got quite a shock when she woke up that morning and realised she was 90 years old.

© 2004 Inverell Times

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