Olive Riley dies

One of Australia's oldest people Ms Olive Riley has passed away at her Woy Woy nursing home on Saturday, July 12.

The 108-year-old Woy Woy Community Aged Care resident died "peacefully in her sleep".

Woy Woy Aged Care activities coordinator Ms Amber Rowe said Ms Riley would be dearly missed by the residents and staff of the facility.

"Olive was such a strong-minded and strong-willed person," Ms Rowe said.

"She was held in such high regard by everybody that knew her.

"She will be sadly missed."

According to Ms Rowe, Olive had recently battled with a chest infection and struggled with the death of her son in November last year.

"Olive was never the same since the death of her son," Ms Rowe said.

"It was really heartbreaking for her to deal with.

"She told us she was tired and ready to go to heaven."

Ms Riley was made famous for being the world's oldest internet blogger by film director Mike Rubbo, who made the documentary "All About Olive" in 2005.

The film tells the story of Olive's early life in Broken Hill where she was born in 1899.

Mr Rubbo said Ms Riley was a funny, feisty and naughty character to work with while filming.

"Olive was an exceptional storyteller," Mr Rubbo said.

"She had a lot to give to the world through her stories and had a lot of fun while doing it."

Following filming, Mr Rubbo convinced Ms Riley to share her life and experiences via the internet.

She began her blog "The Life of Riley" in February last year, sharing more than 70 entries about her life during the past century.

Ms Riley shared her memories of surviving two World Wars, the Great Depression and raising three children as a single parent.

Ms Riley posted her last blog entry on June 26.

"She was an inspiration to many because she proved to people that you can be elderly and still take part in many aspects of modern life, including the internet," Mr Rubbo said.

"Olive was a big part of our lives and will be dearly missed."

Her funeral was held in the Hillside Chapel at Palmdale Lawn Cemetery and Memorial Park on June 17.

Clare Graham, 14 Jul 2008 Interviewee: Mike Rubbo Amber Rowe, Woy Woy Community Aged Care