NORMA Freiberg (née Lyon) has marked an extraordinary milestone, celebrating her 104th birthday surrounded by family, friends and fellow residents at Algester Lodge.
Born on December 21, 1921, Norma’s life spans more than a century of change in Queensland, from childhood days on a dairy farm at Marburg to becoming one of the oldest living links to the region’s early schooling history.
Norma grew up alongside her brothers and sister on the family farm near what she recalls as the Lyon Bridge, walking to school each day while following Black Snake Creek. She first attended Marburg State School before continuing her education at Glamorgan Vale State School.
Last year, Glamorgan Vale State School celebrated its 150th anniversary, with Norma proudly acknowledged as the school’s oldest surviving former student.
A lifelong Lutheran, Norma met her husband Ronald Freiberg at the St John Lutheran Church hall. She often recounts how Ronald, who was chairing a meeting that night, handed proceedings over to someone else so he could escort her home.
“He was cheeky,” she said. “He wanted to know where I lived.”
The couple shared many happy years together until Ronald’s passing in 2014. On June 4, 2010, they moved to Algester Lodge, where Norma has continued to be an active and much-loved member of the community.
During her working life, Norma was employed at Ipswich Girls Grammar School, where she worked in the laundry, contributing to another of Ipswich’s long-standing institutions.
Family remains central to Norma’s life. She and Ronald raised four children – Errol, Ken, Trevor and Jenny – and today she is the proud grandmother of 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, aged between 7 and 21.
One of her greatest recent joys has been seeing her eldest great-granddaughter join the Navy and graduate, a milestone that fills Norma with pride.
Known for her many talents, Norma is a wonderful cook, highly skilled in craft and calligraphy.
Norma’s birthday celebrations were held over two days, with Algester Lodge residents and staff marking the occasion on one day, before a family celebration the day after.
At 104, Norma Freiberg’s story is one of family, faith and community – a living connection to the region’s past and a reminder of the rich personal histories that continue to shape it today.
