These are the people who make communities tick; who turn the towns we live in into places others want to be part of. 

One such former resident, Nancy Peel, who lived in Byrne Street, recently celebrated her 90th birthday on Sunday, August 14.

It was a wonderful occasion when Mrs Peel, marked the milestone with family and friends. 

Guests from Cootamundra, Ariah Park, Adelaide, Gilgandra, Condobolin and ACT were among 30 guests who gathered in Canberra to celebrate Mrs Peel’s birthday over a luncheon organised by her daughter Robyn. 

Among the party-goers were two of her five great grandchildren.

Mrs Peel moved from the rural district to Cootamundra in the early 1970s, only leaving to an aged care facility in the ACT in December 2013. 

During her time in Cootamundra, Mrs Peel was an active member of Arts and Craft where she taught many people how to smock.

She was also part of the Garden Club and Probus Club. 

Impressively, Mrs Peel raised close to $200,000 for childhood leukemia research, a cause very close to her heart, while living in Cootamundra.

She did this via regular cake stalls and catering afternoon teas for Tafe nursing graduation ceremonies. 

She worked as a domestic at the Cootamundra District Hospital until retirement in the late 1980s.

Mrs Peel was married to Ted Peel, who passed away in 1983.

Until his sudden death, Mr Peel was president of the Lions Club. 

The couple had three children Joy Peel, who now resides in South Australia, Robyn Flaws now living in the ACT and Lester Peel who calls Queensland home.

Happy birthday Nancy.