But she beamed with joy when Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove came to her house to deliver flowers and Meals on Wheels on Wednesday.

"I think I could easily say it has been the best birthday," Mrs Steele said.

"Because I never bother much with my birthdays."

As Mrs Steele's special day fell on Meals on Wheels' day, the organisation's patron Sir Peter took time out of his busy schedule to team up with Red Cross volunteer John Stephens and bring her lasagne and beef rissoles.

The three then enjoyed tea and cake at the dining table while discussing their favourite music, Mrs Steele's late husband and her "lovely" garden – a compliment the Greenway woman appreciated after spending all weekend preparing her yard for the special visit.

Meals on Wheels is a Red Cross initiative where volunteers take nutritious frozen and fresh meals to people who are no longer able to prepare their own, while stopping in to have a chat.

Last year, 167 Red Cross volunteers delivered more than 100,000 meals to almost 800 clients in the ACT.

Mrs Steele's daughter-in-law Rosemary Hollow fought back tears as she spoke about how much the service had meant to Mr and Mrs Steele over the past five years.

"When Dad went into St Andrews Village, Norma continued Meals on Wheels and they have been wonderful because Norma can stay in her much-loved house and get good meals and some company," Ms Hollow said.

The benefits are a two-way street for Mr Stephens who has become friends with Mr and Mrs Steele over the years through bringing them meals.

"It's a great feeling knowing what it means to them that someone from the community is showing concern for them for no financial rewards, especially for Norma who is overcoming loneliness," he said.

"That social contact and connectedness is a very important part of the service for us and allows us to check on their well-being. Often we're the only people they'll see all day."

So what does Mrs Steele think of Sir Peter now after meeting the man she's used to seeing on TV?

"He's a very natural, lovely person," she said.

"I feel very special."