Several generations of the family had travelled across the country to be with her at Logan near Brisbane on the special day, which started with a pampering session for Mrs Shephard.

Her youngest grandson Clinton Chetkett said he was relieved when he heard the letter from the Queen had arrived two weeks ago, as his grandmother had strong opinions on the matter.

"She had in her mind she wouldn't live past 83," Mr Chetkett said.

"I told her, 'no, you'll get a letter from the Queen. You'll make the century'.

"She said, 'by the time that comes, it'll be from the King and I don't want a letter from that Charles'. She was adamant she wanted it from the Queen and not the King."

Born on September 21, 1922 in Yarrabah in far north Queensland, as the eldest of thirteen children Mrs Shephard grew up on a farm and was as much a parent to her younger siblings as she was their sister.

She moved to Melbourne at the age of 21, where she met her late husband Gerald and the two of them moved to Opal Berrinba Greens Care Community 12 years ago.

Her daughter, Flagstone resident Glenda Chetkett said moving into the home took some getting used to, but Mrs Shephard soon found her purpose.

"She decided to volunteer and help new residents," she said.

"She'd meet and greet them, and explain things to them.

"She also did the gardening. Mum's always loved gardening."

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Glenda's sister Annette Stevens said that her mother had always walked her own path through life and was an admirable woman.

"She's lived life her way," Mrs Stevens said.

"She's always been stoic, hardworking and loving to her family."

Mrs Shephard also received letters of congratulations from dignitaries including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Governor General David Hurley and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.