At 90 years old, most would expect Leonie Pendergast to be enjoying a quiet retirement. However, this nonagenarian is far from settling down as she continues to run her family’s cuckoo-clock shop in the small town of Omeo, Australia. Her vibrant story provides a unique look at how staying active and abstaining from alcohol and smoking can contribute significantly to longevity and happiness.
The Secrets to a Long, Healthy Life
Leonie’s day starts at the cuckoo-clock shop, where she meets people from all walks of life, sharing stories and selling unique items like intricate Christmas decorations and, of course, cuckoo clocks. “I love meeting people—that’s the main thing. We have interesting stock, too,” Leonie shared, highlighting how her social interactions and responsibilities keep her mind and body active.
An advocate for a healthy lifestyle, Leonie attributes her remarkable health and vitality to never drinking or smoking—a decision influenced by her early exposure to the consequences of these habits in the pubs her parents owned. “By the time I was 17, I’d seen enough people drinking to last me a lifetime. It didn’t interest me at all,” she recounts. This choice, along with her active lifestyle, has played a crucial role in her physical and mental wellness.
A Family Business That Stands the Test of Time
Leonie’s roots in Omeo run deep with her husband’s family being pioneers in the region. Over the years, they have not only maintained but expanded their business ventures. “My daughter Deb and her husband built the first section of our original shop, the Omeo German Cuckoo Clock Shop,” Leonie explains. After a brief pause during the pandemic and an unenjoyable stint in retirement, she was back at the shop when her daughter decided to reopen at a new location.
The shop is a family affair with different generations playing their part. Even her husband, Tony, who is 88, still actively works at their other family business, Omeo Rural and Hardware Supplies. “He drives our truck every day,” Leonie notes with pride.
A Day in the Life of a 90-Year-Old Shopkeeper
Leonie’s typical workday stretches from 10 a.m. to around 4:30 or 5 p.m., during which she manages all aspects of the shop, accompanied by her dog Ivy, a Maltese Shih Tzu mix. Aside from her business activities, she also helps out by washing tea towels for the family’s bakery nearby.
Her diet is simple yet disciplined, focusing on small portions and balanced meals, which she believes is another cornerstone of her healthy lifestyle. “We always have small portions. It’s always meat and vegetables or a salad for dinner,” she states, underscoring her approach to nutrition which complements her active daily routine.
Grounded by Faith and Family
Beyond her business and lifestyle habits, Leonie credits her Catholic faith with providing her the strength to face numerous challenges, including the bushfires that often threaten their community. “Faith gives you something to hang on to when things go wrong,” she reflects.
As she looks forward to welcoming a new great-granddaughter and preparing for a quiet Christmas, Leonie contemplates her life’s journey with satisfaction and a hint of longing for more education, something she missed out on in her youth. Yet, despite any regrets, she considers herself and her husband “very blessed,” with their lives filled with the joy of family and the fulfillment of work.