Joan Celebrates 100 Fabulous Years

A woman who has split her time between living in England, Africa and Australia has celebrated a major life milestone. Joan Hunter, who lives in the Carinity Hilltop aged care community at Kelvin Grove in Brisbane, turned 100 on September 22.

Joan was born in Newquay in Cornwall, England, in 1924. She was called up to work in a munition factory manufacturing parts for World War II bombs.

After the war ended, Joan left England for Africa with her first husband, Jack Robertson. They settled in Cape Town with their son, Keith. After their marriage ended, Joan met Noel Hunter who became her second husband. 

The couple moved to South Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) with Keith. Their daughter, Gail, was born in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) in 1960. Shortly after, the family moved back to Cape Town.

Noel was a hotelier, and, over the years, he and Joan opened several large hotels in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Joan, Noel and Gail moved to Australia in 1970. Keith, who was then aged in his 20s, elected to stay in South Africa.

“Noel and Joan found it morally difficult living under the apartheid regime in South Africa. My parents and I have loved living in Australia. Joan says it’s the best country in the world,” Gail said.

In Africa and Australia, Joan worked as a beautician, mostly for the Helena Rubenstein cosmetics brand. She also supported Noel in opening and running several hotels in Australia.

Joan has always loved reading and watching movies, and still enjoys watching old films. She became a committed Christian in her late-50s, and her faith has “been the bedrock of her life since”.

Gail and her mother lived very happily together at The Gap until Joan moved to Carinity Hilltop in 2018, where “she’s been living contentedly ever since”.

Joan Hunter, pictured with Carinity Aged Care Regional Manager, Larissa Gear, celebrated her 100th birthday on September 22. (Main: New centenarian Joan Hunter has enjoyed living at the Carinity Hilltop aged care community in Brisbane for the past six years)

“Joan is a very special person, loving and kind with a witty sense of humour. She is much loved and appreciated by extended family and special friends,” Gail said.

Joan, who has always had a great interest in the British Royal Family, was delighted that King Charles – as well as the Australian Governor-General and Prime Minister – sent their congratulations for her 100th birthday.

She enjoyed two birthday celebrations: one with friends at Carinity Hilltop and another party with family.

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