It will be a milestone celebration by anyone's standards when Peakhurst resident Norma Straney celebrates her 107th birthday on Saturday, June 20.

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Norma was well known in the Oatley community for teaching dancing and physical education to seniors and helping them to maintain their fitness.

Her grandson, Daniel Ashworth believes Norma's longevity may have something to do with the fact she was in tip-top physical form due to her social activities including teaching physical education.

Norma was born on the south coast of NSW, and had one brother and three sisters. She grew up in St George and was married aged 19 to Allan who worked at the Mortdale brickyard. They had a daughter, Helen, who has passed away. Norma has two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She started teaching in 1946 at the local Church of England and later the School of Arts.

She also taught physical education at the Bjelke-Petersen Physical Culture school for more than 30 years.

As well as teaching exercise and dancing to seniors, Norma was with the Women's Auxiliary during World War II and was also an active charity worker.

"She was known as the five-cent lady for collecting five and ten cent pieces, collecting $7,000 for the Cancer Council," Mr Ashworth said.

Norma was playing tennis into her 80s and was teaching classes until around 90 and living independently until aged 98, at Oatley and later at Dolls Point.

She was in her 90s and teaching people in their 70s, mostly at the Oatley Seniors Centre.

Norma liked to make it a social thing and was known for her scones. Visitors to her classes were known to ask half-jokingly before coming if she was making scones.

Today, family and friends returned the favour, with a big gathering at the Peakhurst Lodge Nursing Home to celebrate with Norma and watch her cut the birthday cake.

"I can't believe all the people who have come to see me," Norma said.