But when you’ve lived to 107, you’re probably entitled to have more than one favourite.

Mrs Woods celebrated her milestone yesterday at Ballarat Health Services’ P.S. Hobson nursing home with family and friends, including daughter Margaret Woods, granddaughter Andrea Weigall and great-granddaughters Laura and Emma Weigall.

Two other great-

grandchildren, Robert and Lauren, live in Switzerland.

When asked if her birthday made her feel happy and excited, Mrs Woods nodded, but it was the mention of Carlton Football Club that really brought a smile to her face.

“She lived in Footscray for years, but always barracked for Carlton,” Margaret said.

Mrs Woods was born in Hamilton on February 19, 1907, but her mother died in childbirth and her father returned to his native Germany.

She was rescued from an orphanage by her aunt Sarah and brought up in Paradise, near Ballarat, until she moved to Ararat for work at 16.

In 1929, she married Arthur Woods before the couple moved to Footscray in 1940.

After her husband’s death in 1962, Mrs Woods, a renowned cook, took in boarders until her advancing years forced her retirement.

In May 2012, Mrs Woods and her son John, who died last year, were rescued from their burning home by neighbour Chris Nguyen.

Mrs Woods then moved to P.S. Hobson to be closer to her family.