Beryl was my very first Golden Age session! I asked her family to bring along any special items of Beryl's, which were some of the tapestries she had made, a statue she had in her garden, one of her plants & her Wedding photo.
Her face lit up when they wheeled her in, & she saw her Wedding photo on the table.. Dementia may make some of her memories fade, but I could see in her eyes how much that image meant to her.
These were some of the words her family documented about her life.
Beryl Joan Connell born 6/2/1927 née Vesperman
One of 8 children, the eldest girl, grew up in Cootamundra where her father was a baker, and mother a housewife. Beryl raised the younger twin Girls, leaving school at 13 years old, to help her busy mother.
During the years of the depression neighbours helped one another out. This is when Beryl first met Les Connell. ( he would later become her husband) His mum was a good sewer and use to make clothes for her mum. They grew up in a small country town having fun with neighbours and family.
Beryl's first job was at Coles , in the Lolly department . (apparently at the care facility, she won't always eat her dinner, but will still polish off a packet of lollies)
Eventually became a receptionist for local doctor and also nanny for their children.
Les returned from WWII after being held as a prisoner of war, and romanced Beryl into marriage.
They started their married life In Paddington Sydney then returned to Cootamundra to rear their 4 children . David, Cherylene, Wendy, and Paul.
Beryl remained a housewife throughout and volunteered at various school canteens. Moving to Newcastle in 1965, where Les managed the rail transport of coal into the harbour.
Her main goal in life was to see her children well educated and to run her home lovingly.
She excelled at embroidery, knitting crocheting and tapestry. Always demonstrating a flair for decorating, colour coordinating .. especially in her home .
Joined the Probus club and remained an active member until moving to Rutherford.
Beryl is known for her love of her family and celebrating every milestone- always a party !
She now has 9 Grandchildren, & 18 Great Grandchildren.
