Gogo Doris celebrates a fantastic 101 years.

Few residents at Gerald Fitzpatrick Home can boast of being older, if not as old, as the home itself.

Doris Bennett, at 101 years old, is one of very few residents who have become part of the home’s history.

She has surpassed the eight decades that the home’s building in Bertrams has stood, and on March 15 she celebrated a very special innings.

The home’s nursing staff and 80 residents pulled out all the stops to usher in Doris’s monumental milestone with a surprise birthday party.

A cake with Gogo Doris’s face with the words “Happy 101 Granny” was presented to her.

She is also affectionately known as Ouma or Granny Doris.

Her two eldest children, both sons, were there to celebrate her birthday, flanking her at the main table.

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Twelve of the home’s nursing staff broke out in song and dance as they performed some of her favourite songs.

A group of about 15 family members, including her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even a great-great-grandchild, all showed up to join in the excitement of the day.

“There is no secret to getting to this age, my child,” said Ouma when the EXPRESS asked about her longevity.

“Even today, March 15, I’m just taking each day as it comes. However, I need to thank God because even my health has not gotten seriously bad, even though I may have a few ailments here and there.”

Gogo Doris said she tries to keep fit. Sometimes she walks up and down the hallways of her residential section using a walker.

She jokingly admonished everyone around her for making “a big fuss” of her birthday.

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“Everyone made such a big fuss when I turned 100. Last year, my children said they had planned to take me out for lunch, but the hall was full the entire time with so many people invited,” said Ouma Doris, who has since grown used to the surprise birthday parties that are held in her honour.

One of Ouma Doris’s grandsons, Vincent Phillips, could not hide his excitement as he spoke at length about his grandmother.

“I’m just elated to be part of it and be able to share this day with the old lady. For me, it’s a blessing to have the family together and share in this wonderful occasion. We see this as a blessing.

“There is no way that we would have imagined she would reach this age, having shared in all the memories, hardships and all the stories she has shared over the years. We’re just overjoyed to see the matriarch get to this age,” said Phillips.

Her first of three children, Daniel Phillips (81), was equally elated.

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He said he was pleased to see his mother go beyond 100 years.

“I never thought I’d ever see this in my lifetime, especially within the family,” he said.

Coming in at 90 years younger, great-great-grandchild Jaiden Phillips said: “I’m happy to have a granny who is 101. I never thought she would make it to this number. She’s a very loving person, is joyful and always does stuff to help.”