The last World War II veteran living in Evans Head turns 100 today, Sunday, January 5.

Kathleen ‘Mollie’ Scheibel was born in Coraki and before the war, she worked as a farmhand where she cut tea trees and distilled the oil.

She also served in a baker’s shop and was a nanny to four children.

In June 1944, Mollie enlisted in the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force.

Mollie was initially based in Sandgate, Brisbane and later served in Sydney driving ambulances to transfer wounded soldiers from incoming planes to the hospital.

Mollie was discharged from the RAAF in February 1946.

She worked as a cook’s assistant at Campbell Hospital in Coraki.

She was married to John Scheibel who had been a craftsman in the 2/4th Battalion of the Australian Army.

Together, the couple raised two daughters and their nephew. Sadly, John and one of their daughters have died.

In her spare time, Mollie enjoys all sorts of handicrafts, especially knitting and crocheting.

She enjoyed travelling with John when they were together. Now, Mollie goes to the RSL Day Club every Monday and listens to audiobooks. 

Mollies credits her long life to having a sense of humour and being sociable.

She has two children, six grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 11 great- great grandchildren.

This information was provided by Mollie’s family.

This article appeared on indyNR.com on 5 January 2025.