Over her many decades of thriving as a teacher, pastor's wife, student, mother, daughter and many other roles, she has lived a full and happy life.

"She is much loved and much admired," her son Paul Paech said.

Edna and her family lived on a farm in Dimboola when she was born in 1921. She was a twin and was inseparable from her twin sister, Elsie.

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In fact, they were dressed alike until they turned 18 years old.

"My mother made our clothes of course," Edna said.

Edna's passion for education stemmed from her mother, Agnes Muller, who only received three years of schooling before she had to stay home to care for her other eight siblings.

Edna powered through her small town education to receive a scholarship to the University of Melbourne for a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English and French.

"It's taken a while but I think people are starting to realise girls can do anything" she said.

She received a teaching role in Adelaide, which is where her secret two year courtship of future husband, John Paech, began.

Edna worked at Concordia College in Adelaide, moving away from home and interstate at 23.

Seminary students often socialised on campus with an organisation called the Luther Society, as a young lady, Edna was included in their social gatherings.

It was one evening, a young man offered Edna a sandwich. Both university graduates and English lovers, John and Edna hit it off. Unfortunately, Seminary school students, like John, were not able to date. John was forbidden to see or correspond with any young women.

For two years John and Edna sent hundreds of letters to one another, using close friends to pass them along. Edna still has these letters.

"It's a bit private," she said, holding one letter which is 10 pages long.

"We'd talk about our day and sometimes more private things."

When John had finished his training, he asked Edna to be his bride.

A new adventure would begin as John's first role would be in New Zealand's capital, Wellington.

Before they moved, Edna and John married in Dimboola during a heatwave on January 15, 1946.

Edna and John led a happy life together, having their boys, John and Paul and daughter, Katherine.

"Life was busy but I enjoyed it. We were happy," she said.

"Happiness creates a atmosphere of fun."

They would move back to Australia and live and work in Geelong, then to Croydon before semi-retiring back to Natimuk, where John became the local pastor.

Edna's 100th birthday was celebrated with many friends and family at The Horsham Sports and Community Club. The Horsham City Rural Band came out and played for the family at May Park.

Edna's advice for life is to embrace every golden opportunity.

Edna calls herself the Indomitable Mouse, due to her shy nature. Despite her small town roots and shy nature, Eda conquered life and put herself forward. She found a career, love, family and passion and led a happy, fulfilled life.

Edna exudes grace and kindness even as she laments about being in a wheelchair and needing assistance. She still loves to read.

"I have to make the best of my time," she said.

If you sit down with Edna with a cup of tea and open ears, you will gain a friend for life and learn about an amazing woman who at 100 years old can talk anyone under the table.

And if you are lucky, you may receive a handwritten letter by Ms Edna Paech herself.

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