By Dominique Tassell
Stanthorpe local Jean Gimm turned 100 on 14 September, receiving one of the last ever letters from the late Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate the milestone.
Jean was born in Nambour and raised on a dairy farm in Yandina, with her family originally from New South Wales.
Jean served in the Australian Women’s Army, joining in 1943 and serving for three years until her discharge in 1946.
She met her late husband Edward Gimm through a relative when she was living in Brisbane.
Edward also served in the army but they didn’t cross paths until after Jean was discharged.
They married in 1947 and moved to his hometown of Stanthorpe in 1949.
Jean and Edward were blessed with four children: Reginald (Reg), twins Jan and Kevin, and their youngest child Darryl.
Edward’s family originated in Amiens, and the family was eventually honoured by having a road named after them.
Jean still resides in the family home on Gimm Lane and has been met with many visitors for her birthday, including Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi, along with many letters.
Jean received letters from the late Queen Elizabeth II, the Governor General David Hurley, the Queensland Governor Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, the Honourable David Littleproud MP, Member for Southern Downs James Lister, and Mayor Pennisi in celebration of her milestone birthday.
She said the milestone birthday somewhat snuck up on her.
“The years go by,” she said. “You don’t realise they go.”
While the timing of Jean’s birthday left some curious about who her letter from the monarchy would be from, Jean is one of the last known people to receive a letter from the late Queen Elizabeth II.
