Residential Aged Care
Since joining the SwanCare family in 1991, Eileen Martin has graced our community with her smile and warmth. This August, Eileen celebrated her 100th birthday in Waminda, and this story offers a glimpse into a century of a life well lived.
“People always tell me I’m always smiling. Well, why not? Why be anything else?”
Since joining the SwanCare family in 1991, Eileen Martin has graced our community with her smile and warmth. This August, Eileen celebrated her 100th birthday in Waminda, and this story offers a glimpse into a century of a life well lived.
Eileen’s Early Years
Eileen was born on the 7th of August 1925 in the coastal town of Portsmouth, South of England. She recalls an idyllic childhood with a loving mother and father and five siblings. One of her favourite memories is of her sister playing the piano while she and the others tap danced along to the music.
In her early years, Eileen spent five years working as a herbalist, using natural remedies to treat and prevent illnesses. Her extensive experience in herbal medicine eventually led to her being called to serve as a medic in the Air Force when the war began in 1939. “Living in Portsmouth, it was like a navy dockyard, and I didn’t want to go in the navy, so I volunteered to join the air force.”
Life-Altering Errand
A simple trip to the post office was the catalyst to married life and family. Having a familiar face from the Navy approach her, followed by a long-distance courtship when he was sent away to serve, turned into a wedding in 1947.
“We had a beautiful cake and were surrounded by our family and friends; it was wonderful," Eileen shared. They eventually had a son, Michael, and five years later, a daughter, Elaine, whom their son named after a girl he fancied at school.
One Way Ticket
Unfortunately, six months after their marriage, their hometown was severely bombed. Eileen's husband, who suffered from severe asthma, was given a grim warning by their doctor: “If you don’t leave the country within six months, your husband will die.” The family immigrated to Rhodesia, now known as Zimbabwe, following their doctor’s advice.
Eileen considers Rhodesia to be the place of her fondest memories, “We had a lot of lovely years in Rhodesia, it’s a beautiful country and the people were so friendly. On the weekends, the family would pack up our caravan, and we’d go off for a weekend trip, returning Sunday night to be back to work Monday morning. The weather was always lovely there.”
While Eileen’s 32 years in Rhodesia were filled with many happy memories, it was also shaped by moments of change. After the loss of her beloved son Michael and later her husband, she decided to start a new chapter in Johannesburg, South Africa, and lived there for seven years. There, she found comfort and companionship living close to her daughter.
Michael’s death left behind his wife and four children, who soon moved to Australia, prompted Eileen to move there herself in 1990. “I had a little unit in Tuart Hill for a little while until my sister-in-law suggested I apply for Swan Cottage Homes, as they did. I applied and waited a year and got a place in Mavis Cleaver Court on the third floor,” Eileen recalled.
Life at SwanCare
Eileen spent 28 wonderful years at Mavis Cleaver Court, where she formed lasting friendships and embraced an active lifestyle. For 12 of those years, she enjoyed ballroom dancing as part of the over-50s group, “I think that’s what’s kept my legs and brain working until now. Even now, when good music comes on, I still do a bit of dancing in my room.”
One of Eileen’s closest friends, Audrey, her neighbour at Mavis Cleaver Court, later moved to Waminda. She often invited Eileen to join her for Bingo, concerts and coffee catch-ups. “I kept going back and forth so often,” Eileen laughed, “I figured I might as well move in!”
Leanne Lebrun told Eileen about a vacant room right below Audrey’s at Waminda and asked if she was interested. “I took a week to think it over and then checked with my doctor to see if moving into care at 94 was a good idea. He said that I’m better off moving in now than waiting any longer. So, I made the move, and even now, Audrey still lives right above me! I’ve been happily settled at Waminda for nearly seven years.”
Every morning at 11:00am, you can find Audrey and Eileen enjoying a glass of wine at Waminda. “The doctor told us that we could have a glass of wine or two, but no more!” Eileen laughed.
The Key to a Happy Life
So, what’s the secret to a long, happy life for Eileen? “I think we should do what keeps us happy. People always tell me I’m always smiling. Well, why not? Why be anything else?”
Eileen celebrated her 100th birthday at Waminda, surrounded by her cherished family and many friends. The Clubhouse was decorated with balloons, banners and live piano music, and Eileen was delighted by a beautiful cake, along with many flowers and presents.
Your story is a beautiful testament to a life well lived, Eileen. Thank you for sharing it with us. We wish you a joyful 100th birthday and a warm welcome to the Centenarian Club!
Since joining the SwanCare family in 1991, Eileen Martin has graced our community with her smile and warmth. This August, Eileen celebrated her 100th birthday in Waminda, and this story offers a glimpse into a century of a life well lived.
Eileen’s Early Years
Eileen was born on the 7th of August 1925 in the coastal town of Portsmouth, South of England. She recalls an idyllic childhood with a loving mother and father and five siblings. One of her favourite memories is of her sister playing the piano while she and the others tap danced along to the music.
In her early years, Eileen spent five years working as a herbalist, using natural remedies to treat and prevent illnesses. Her extensive experience in herbal medicine eventually led to her being called to serve as a medic in the Air Force when the war began in 1939. “Living in Portsmouth, it was like a navy dockyard, and I didn’t want to go in the navy, so I volunteered to join the air force.”
Life-Altering Errand
A simple trip to the post office was the catalyst to married life and family. Having a familiar face from the Navy approach her, followed by a long-distance courtship when he was sent away to serve, turned into a wedding in 1947.
“We had a beautiful cake and were surrounded by our family and friends; it was wonderful," Eileen shared. They eventually had a son, Michael, and five years later, a daughter, Elaine, whom their son named after a girl he fancied at school.
One Way Ticket
Unfortunately, six months after their marriage, their hometown was severely bombed. Eileen's husband, who suffered from severe asthma, was given a grim warning by their doctor: “If you don’t leave the country within six months, your husband will die.” The family immigrated to Rhodesia, now known as Zimbabwe, following their doctor’s advice.
Eileen considers Rhodesia to be the place of her fondest memories, “We had a lot of lovely years in Rhodesia, it’s a beautiful country and the people were so friendly. On the weekends, the family would pack up our caravan, and we’d go off for a weekend trip, returning Sunday night to be back to work Monday morning. The weather was always lovely there.”
While Eileen’s 32 years in Rhodesia were filled with many happy memories, it was also shaped by moments of change. After the loss of her beloved son Michael and later her husband, she decided to start a new chapter in Johannesburg, South Africa, and lived there for seven years. There, she found comfort and companionship living close to her daughter.
Michael’s death left behind his wife and four children, who soon moved to Australia, prompted Eileen to move there herself in 1990. “I had a little unit in Tuart Hill for a little while until my sister-in-law suggested I apply for Swan Cottage Homes, as they did. I applied and waited a year and got a place in Mavis Cleaver Court on the third floor,” Eileen recalled.
Life at SwanCare
Eileen spent 28 wonderful years at Mavis Cleaver Court, where she formed lasting friendships and embraced an active lifestyle. For 12 of those years, she enjoyed ballroom dancing as part of the over-50s group, “I think that’s what’s kept my legs and brain working until now. Even now, when good music comes on, I still do a bit of dancing in my room.”
One of Eileen’s closest friends, Audrey, her neighbour at Mavis Cleaver Court, later moved to Waminda. She often invited Eileen to join her for Bingo, concerts and coffee catch-ups. “I kept going back and forth so often,” Eileen laughed, “I figured I might as well move in!”
Leanne Lebrun told Eileen about a vacant room right below Audrey’s at Waminda and asked if she was interested. “I took a week to think it over and then checked with my doctor to see if moving into care at 94 was a good idea. He said that I’m better off moving in now than waiting any longer. So, I made the move, and even now, Audrey still lives right above me! I’ve been happily settled at Waminda for nearly seven years.”
Every morning at 11:00am, you can find Audrey and Eileen enjoying a glass of wine at Waminda. “The doctor told us that we could have a glass of wine or two, but no more!” Eileen laughed.
The Key to a Happy Life
So, what’s the secret to a long, happy life for Eileen? “I think we should do what keeps us happy. People always tell me I’m always smiling. Well, why not? Why be anything else?”
Eileen celebrated her 100th birthday at Waminda, surrounded by her cherished family and many friends. The Clubhouse was decorated with balloons, banners and live piano music, and Eileen was delighted by a beautiful cake, along with many flowers and presents.
Your story is a beautiful testament to a life well lived, Eileen. Thank you for sharing it with us. We wish you a joyful 100th birthday and a warm welcome to the Centenarian Club!
