Coral Allan's family can't pinpoint her secrets to a long life, but they do know those are two of the indulgences enjoyed by the Whiddon Kelso resident, who turned 102 last week.

She wasn't keen on a birthday cake, but did enjoy celebrating the day with family and Whiddon Kelso staff.

"Mum was born just nine weeks after World War One," her son Rod said.

"At that time, radio was not available and television was not even thought of.

"Her father was a local businessman and they had a telephone in the home growing up, the only family in her street to have one.

"Back then, their backyard, like many at the time, was a major source of food with fruit and vegetable crops taking up most of the space, except for the chook pen, which allowed them to enjoy fresh eggs.

"Mum lived through the Depression and World War Two and has seen so many changes in Australia over her lifetime."

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Born in Parramatta in 1919, Coral grew up in Westmead and married Ronald in 1942, who was training with the Royal Australian Air Force at Point Cook in Victoria at the time.

Their son Rod was born in 1943 when Ronald was serving in Papua New Guinea and was followed by another son, Kenn.

Ronald passed away in 1975 from injuries related to his service in the war.

Family has always been an important part of Mrs Allan's life and she has six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, plus a few honorary ones that she also holds dear.

Her family says Mrs Allan has always loved a good read and enjoys the books that Bathurst Library delivers to her each month at Whiddon Kelso.

She also enjoys keeping up to date with the latest news as much as she can and was once an avid cricket fan and used to enjoy watching matches on television.

To celebrate her 102nd birthday, Mrs Allan was thrilled to receive flowers from Rod and his wife Joan. The team at Kelso also presented her with a gift pack.

Before making Whiddon Kelso her home in 2018, Mrs Allan lived in Whiddon's Kelso retirement village for 15 years.

"I cannot speak more highly of the care she has received at Whiddon," Rod said.

Whiddon's director of care services Nicole Mahara said the team were excited to help Mrs Allan celebrate the milestone.

"We wish Coral a very happy 102nd birthday. We feel privileged to have helped her celebrate this special day," she said.