My 65th Golden age portrait today! The lovely Jeannette who just loved the greenhouse & all my plants.
Jeannette Ann was born on June 24, 1943, on the North Shore of Sydney, and was named after the famous singer Jeanette MacDonald. Her parents had met whilst her mother was working at a chocolate shop in Rockdale, and her father was working in the building next door..
As the eldest child, she grew up in a family with two younger siblings, a brother and a sister. Her father worked hard during World War II, and she was born while he was away. He worked building at an ammunition factory.
The family moved to Willoughby, where Jeannette attended Chatswood school. When they moved to Peakhurst, her father built their house room by room. Jeannette finished her education at 15 years old at Peakhurst high school. Throughout her youth, she took on many responsibilities at home, helping with cooking, cleaning, and gardening. After leaving school she worked for Sydney rescue works, as a typist.
Then Secretary for Central Casting Station office which was in the entertainment industry.
She also worked for Allen’s sweets.
At 17 and a half, she met her future husband at church. The connection was immediate,
they became engaged when she was 19, marrying at 21. Jeannette’s wedding dress formerly belonged to a competition dancer and was a dress she had worn for a competition. They were married at Riverwood Baptist Church, where they had first met. Her husband’s sister was one of Jeannette's closest friends.
The couple lived in Mortdale for a while before building a house in Milpera. Jeannette recalled the house and land package costing them $5000.
At 23, Jeannette gave birth to her first child, a son named Craig, Then, in 1970, Jeannette gave birth to a daughter, Leanne. Leanne struggled with colic and sleep difficulties, but Jeannette navigated those challenging early years with perseverance and sone help from the neighbours.
Over the years, Jeannette worked various jobs, including working in sandwich shops, cleaning, and gardening ( which she won awards for) Despite the busy work life, she never obtained a driver's license. She relied on public transport to get from place to place.
Her husband worked for a health food business as a store manager. In 1999, the family sold their home and moved to Bonnells Bay.
Jeannette’s husband was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, which he fought for some time before passing away 20 years ago.
He had already survived a heart attack at 32 and two open heart surgeries. He is remembered fondly for being a hands-on Dad, and hard worker. They loved going to musicals and the theatre together. He also painted the fairy wren which features in one of my images.
Six years after his death, Jeannette’s daughter, Leanne, moved in with her to provide care and support. Leanne became her main caregiver. Jeannette’s son now lives in Taree, and she is proud to have three granddaughters.
Jeannette enjoys spending time going on outings to cafés going to the club and attending shows and musicals. She is a proud member of the United Providence of Australia and continues to live with a positive and lively spirit, embracing life to the fullest despite the challenges she has faced.
Jeannette is known for her love of hats, earrings and accessories. She had something to match the dress I gave her to wear and loves putting an outfit together.
