A Smile, Kindness and 100 Years of Nell
Alcheringa, The 100 Club |
Kathleen, known to everyone as Nell, was born on 20 May 1924 in Swan Hill, Victoria. She grew up in Fish Point and later in Tresco as one of four girls. At 102 years of age, we are proud to celebrate Nell as a member of the Respect 100 Club.
Nell went straight from school to milking on the family dairy farm.
She also did childcare, looking after local family’s children. When the war came and the men went off to serve, she took on the responsibility of keeping the farm running – it was a great deal of responsibility for young woman.
She met her husband Jim in Swan Hill. When he returned from the Army, they lived on the family grape farm in Tresco until 1969. They have been married for 80 years this year.
After the war Nell worked at Danaris hospital in Swan Hill, a job she remembers as fun and busy. She then spent seven and a half years at a local delicatessen before moving to the Pioneer Settlement, where she worked for nine and a half years until she retired.
Nell and Jim had four children.
Richard sadly passed at birth and Janis, Michael and Dianne followed. Nell is now a grandmother to eight, great-grandmother to 14, and Great-Great Grandmother to two.
There was not always time for hobbies with so much farm work to do, but when she could, Nell loved playing tennis and later took up golf.
Her 100th birthday was a celebration to remember in 2024.
A large party was held at the Swan Hill Club, followed by a celebration at her home, Alcheringa. Family visited from all over for the occasion, and Swan Hill was completely booked out for the weekend.
Staff at Alcheringa describe Nell as a stunning, gentle and beautifully spoken woman who values her independence and always looks after herself. She is known to always wear a smile, is kind and has a deep love for her children.
Nell’s secret to a long life is simple: no smoking, no alcohol and eating well, particularly in her younger years. Her advice to others is clear: be kind and treat others as you would yourself.
Her favourite song is the hymn How Great Thou Art, and when asked what Respect means to her, Nell says it is being cared for with dignity, empathy and care.
Congratulations Nell, and welcome to the Respect 100 Club!
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