Four generations of her family gathered at Mt Eymard Retirement Village to toast the significant milestone.

On Saturday, Beryl received letters of congratulations from the Queen Elizabeth II, Prime Minister Tony Abbott, NSW Premier Mike Baird and Peter Cosgrove, Governor-General of Australia.

Beryl was born in Back Creek, Cowra, on August 23, 1914 - just 19 days after the start of World War I.

She was the second youngest of six children, which included growing up with four older brothers.

"My suitors were always looked over by my brothers," Beryl said.

Beryl worked as a secretary in Sydney through the Great Depression, often for as little as 25 shilling per week.

"We (my family) had little money, but it went a long way because we made good choices," she said.

"I'd see proud men come in for a few shilling for a week's work... it broke my heart.

"It's like living in heaven now compared to then."

Beryl would rush home from work on a Saturday morning to play competitive tennis, one of her biggest passions.

During WWII, Beryl married Jim Morrissey, a man who worked for a Japanese wool business called Mitsui.

The couple remained together for close to 50 years before Jim died.

Beryl and Jim had two daughters - Pam and Sue.

Beryl has two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, including the youngest member of her family, Angus Dowsett (eight months).

Illness led to Beryl moving to Bowral five years ago to be closer to her family. 

Beryl said she was proud to celebrate her 100th birthday because she had worked hard.

She said the most important aspect of her life was family.

"I remember hard times and I remember good times," she said.

"I'm very happy because I've had a very good life - you can't complain, can you?

"It's been a very interesting life," she said.

'A wise and loving woman'

By Josh Bartlett

PAM Morrissey has many ways to sum up her mother Beryl.

Beryl celebrated her 100th birthday in Bowral on Saturday with four generations of her family.

When asked how she would describe Beryl, Pam couldn't settle on one answer.

"Short, feisty, very vital and very loving," Pam said.

"She is a wise and loving woman."

Pam said Beryl's hobbies included tennis, bowls, dress making, knitting and she loved a good game of cards.

"She also made by wedding dress," she said.