A LOVE of sport, hard work and a cheerful attitude have helped Betty Hampel to reach her 108th birthday this week.
Mrs Hampel was born Elizabeth Bonney on May 11 in 1907 at Mascot where her father Albert ran a market garden.
She worked in the market garden before and after school and helped her father load the truck to take the vegetables to market.
She married Roy Hampel, an engineer, and they lived for many years at Five Dock.
Mr Hampel died about 40 years ago and Mrs Hampel moved to Frank Vickery Village and then HC Foreman Lodge at Miranda.
Her nephew, Alan Bonney, said Mrs Hampel always had a strong worth ethic.
"She was an avid cake-maker and -decorator and did a lot of birthday and wedding cakes," he said.
"If there was something on at the church she'd always get involved.
"She didn't drive a car until her late 50s when she decided to get her driver's licence.
"Nobody knew about it until she turned up at our place with her licence and a car.
"She was a huge supporter of South Sydney Rugby League Club and Australian cricket and never missed a game.
"When she was 102 South Sydney invited her to the Olympic Stadium as their special guest.
"She's always pleasant, never grumpy and never complains. She's always been a very easy-going lady."
