Community & Business
7 July, 2025
107 years of a life well lived
Pittsworth centenarian Edna Bryce (nee Weber), known to many as simply “Aunty Edna”, has died aged 107.
Edna, the oldest resident in Pittsworth and possibly even the Toowoomba Region, was taken to her heavenly home in the early morning hours of 26th June after a short illness.
Her family was comforted with the knowledge that Edna was now exactly where she always wanted to be - reunited with her God, her husband Roy, and siblings Mary, George and Vera.
“It was a blessing, I’m glad God took her,” Edna’s niece said.
Edna Doris Weber was born in Toowoomba on 24th January, 1918 to Heinrich and Ellen Weber.
She was the eldest of five children, with siblings Vera, George, Mary (all deceased) and Irene (Rene).
Growing up during the Great Depression, Edna’s life was built on the foundation of hard work.
As a young girl, she left school and joined the workforce, milking cows for local dairy farmers.
This strong work ethic continued throughout her life, as she performed domestic chores and household cleaning for families.
Edna had such a high standard of work, she would polish and clean until the end result was to her satisfaction - immaculate.
She remained in this profession until she was 97 years old but her life wasn’t all hard work - there were also moments filled with love and laughter.
One family member recalled Edna and her sister Mary in their earlier years, driving down Yandilla Street in a canary yellow Kingswood and, “showing the young hoons how it’s done”.
In 1942, Edna married Roy Bryce at Crows Nest.
After 43 years of marriage, Roy died, and Edna faced another 40 years of life without him.
Despite having no children she was surrounded by the love and support of her siblings, nieces and nephews.
Edna resided in Hill Street for more than 60 years before relocating to the Lodge at Beauaraba Living in 2022.
In January this year, her family and friends gathered to celebrate her 107th birthday which culminated in a surprise visit from Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald.
She was delighted to receive a bouquet of flowers in shades of pastel yellows and pinks, as her favourite colour was ‘lemon’.
Edna had no major illnesses over the years, and when The Sentinel spoke to her on her birthday, she attributed her good health to working hard and keeping busy.
Two months ago, Edna suffered a fall, and her health slowly declined.
At the time of her death, she was a great, great, great aunt.
Edna was a devout member of the Uniting Church and received regular visits from the local minister Rev. Willie Liebenberg.
Her niece told The Sentinel that Aunty Edna had the full assurance of faith, and God would have called her home with open arms.
She said Edna was a caring and loyal friend to many, with a heart for others and a deep love for her family.
A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, 9th July at the Pittsworth Uniting Church in Briggs Street.
The service will begin at 10.30am, followed by interment at the Pittsworth Cemetery in Stoney Street.
Edna is survived by her younger sister Rene Seagrott.
