Residents and staff at Tarragal Manor Retirement Village gathered together on Thursday, December 18, to celebrate the 100th birthday of much loved resident Joy Douglas.
Popular, tenacious and zesty, Joy spent many of her younger years on the Sydney stage as a leading lady and is famous within the village for her uncompromising devotion to fashion and style and her passion for singing and dancing. “Until recent medical problems slowed her down a little, Joy would think nothing of walking to Erina Fair Shopping Centre, in high heeled shoes, no less, and not a day goes by when she does not apply immaculate make-up, liquid eye-liner and all,” said Tarragal Glen personal care assistant Ms Kay Quirk. Tarragal Glen’s activities coordinator Ms Kerry Towler said: “The lady is a legend!” “I have asked her on several occasions to swap her heels for slippers when walking around The Manor and her response is ‘Never!'” Joy has a very pragmatic attitude and in addition to her starring musical roles, she also spent many years working in the dress department of David Jones, raised her two sons Geoff and Ken, and successfully navigated life as a widow after the tragic and sudden death of her husband in 1978. “She is very determined,” said Ms Quirk. “When her husband passed away, she didn’t know what to do with herself, so she started knitting and knitted herself seven suits, all in different colours, and still wears them today.” Always eager to keep busy, Joy now spends most days taking part in village activities such as bingo, cards, indoor bowls and chair dancing, and loves tending to her plants, watching old musicals and spending time with her beloved family. “Joy absolutely shines when her sons come to visit each week,” said MSet featured images Quirk. The Queen sent Joy a congratulatory letter which was formally presented to her on Thursday during a birthday ‘sing-along’ afternoon tea at Tarragal Manor.
Media release,
17 Dec 2014
Joanna Haines,
RetireAustralia