love and laughter with joan - research matters · 2 love and laughter with joan how wonderful to...

2 Love and Laughter with Joan

How wonderful to have thrown so much laughter and light and warmth into so many people’s lives.ChrisCordner

Great memories highlighting Joan’s warmth, hospitality, intellect and great sense of fun.AmandaRussell

A lovely tribute to Joan and a gift to your family.SariBaird

This is a wonderful and moving record of Joanie that I shall treasure.JamesHarvey

Love and Laughter with Joan 33

Foreword .................................................................................................. 5

TuesdayswithMum.........................................................................................5

SharingMtMartha..............................................................................................9

Grandchildren ......................................................................................... 11

Warmhugs.......................................................................................................11

Playinggames..................................................................................................13

Playingwithchildren.......................................................................................14

Cards.................................................................................................................15

Thehostess.......................................................................................................16

FlexiBostonbuns............................................................................................18

Cardshark........................................................................................................20

HakunaMatata!................................................................................................22

TimTams..........................................................................................................24

Laughter............................................................................................................26

Manymemorablemoments.............................................................................27

The Bridges ............................................................................................. 28

Joanie................................................................................................................28

Theentertainer.................................................................................................30

Huggingbooks.................................................................................................33

Jugglingthemob.............................................................................................34

Wordsofwisdom.............................................................................................35

Greatlyloved....................................................................................................37

The Reads ................................................................................................ 38

90yearsyoung.................................................................................................38

Firstportofcall................................................................................................42

LargerthanLife................................................................................................44

Familystories...................................................................................................46

Backdoor.........................................................................................................48

Hosingdown....................................................................................................49

The Russells ............................................................................................. 51

90gloriousyears..............................................................................................51

Manylaughs.....................................................................................................52

Table of Contents


The Griffiths ............................................................................................ 54

Tennisfan.........................................................................................................54

Goldenhair......................................................................................................55

Fruitfullife........................................................................................................56

Godchildren ............................................................................................ 57

Thebestgodmotherever................................................................................57

School friends .......................................................................................... 59

RiversdaleRoadtram.......................................................................................59

Nursing Friends ....................................................................................... 60

Blessedgeneration...........................................................................................60

Mt Martha friends .................................................................................... 61

Commonsense.................................................................................................61

GreatDNA........................................................................................................62

Walksandtalks................................................................................................62

QueenProtea...................................................................................................63

Victoria by the Park friends ..................................................................... 64

FromLtoPplates............................................................................................64

Beautifullady...................................................................................................65

Senseofhumour.............................................................................................66

Distinguishedfriend.........................................................................................67

RummyTiles...................................................................................................68

Auniquetimeinourlives...............................................................................69

Children’s friends .................................................................................... 70

Generoushospitality........................................................................................70

Splendidmilestone..........................................................................................71

Guide................................................................................................................71

Hostesswiththemostess................................................................................72

Warmhost........................................................................................................74

Laughsbesidethefire......................................................................................75

90th birthday party ................................................................................. 77

Speeches...........................................................................................................77


Foreword Tuesdays with Mum DearMum,

Thisisacollectionofstorieswrittenbypeoplewholoveyou.Itcontainsourmemoriesofyou-ofholidaysatMtMartha,cardgames,funnyincidentsandmemorablemoments.Thesestorieshavebeenwrittenforyour90thbirthday.

My story is aboutfriendship. You and Ihavealwaysbeengreatfriends. When I lefthome at 17, we bothsetasideTuesdaynightsas ‘our night’. For thenext 30 or so years,we subscribed to theMTC,theMalthouse,theWriters Festival and theballet;andwereregularsattheRivoliTheatre.

When you took a fine art course at the U3A with Noel,you invitedme tocome toSydney tosee theGuggenheimexhibition. After that wonderful exhibition, we includedart galleries into our ‘Tuesday cultural excursions’. TheHeideMuseumofModernArtwasourfavouriteartgallery.Wewouldoftenmeet there for lunch, andwander aroundtheir latest exhibition. Fortunately you were a volunteerguideatHeidi,soyouwereabletoexplainsomeofthemorecuriouspieces.

Celebrating my wedding anniversary in bed with Sarah


More recently, Tuesdayafternoons have beenour ‘Bridge afternoons’ atVictoria by the Park. Youand I bravely partner upagainst Etta, a 96-year-old ex-State Champion,and Marion. After dinner,we watch a movie.Our Tuesday traditioncontinues. Our bridge games with Etta can be terrifying

Our coffee shop in Glenhuntly Road

Cheeseburger, chips and apple pie in St Kilda

It has been a great pleasureand privilege for me to spendso much time with you sinceDad died. I love the time we

spendtogetheratVictoriabythePark–somanyinterestingpeopleliveandworkthere.IalsoenjoywheelingyoudownGlenhuntlyRoadforan icedcoffeeandpieceofchocolatecake;ordrivingtoourfavouritespotneartheStKildapier


and eating a McDonald’scheeseburger. We bothlove ‘people watching’ andtellingstorieswhilelookingatthesea.

Our recent trips toMtMarthahavebeenspecialforusboth.You have so many happymemories at Mt Martha. Wesit on the deck whilst youreminisce about Briarcliff,those busy years with youractive children and all theirfriends, and the happy timeswith all your grandchildren.You have many stories totell, and you continue not tolet truth get in the way of agoodstory!

I will always treasure ourrecent holidays at Mt Martha– particularly Xmas and thelovely celebration of your66th wedding anniversary. IwillalsorememberfondlytherecentlunchduringwhichyouraisedyourglassofgingerbeertotoastPapa’sbirthday–youwere correct, he would havebeen121!

Outside on deck with Maggie: “Cheers”

Sun setting at Mt Martha

Preparing dinner


We both thanked Papa for climbing up that treein 1935 and deciding to buy the block of land thatwealllovinglycall‘MtMartha’.

At my favourite lookout

“Our” Mt Martha

Withlove,

“You have many

stories to tell, and

you continue not

to let truth get in

the way of a good

story!”


Sharing Mt MarthaForallourgoodfriends,the“Russells”(whetheratMtMarthaorFinchStreet)wasalwaysamostwelcomingplace;indeeditwastheplacetobe!

Mum: you always welcomed us and you and Dad alwaysprovidedeverythingweneeded:beer,tennisballs,Joeywithplentyofpetrol,beer,theboatshed,abedforthenight(orinthecaseofRobboandHarvey,forafewweeks),greathomecookeddinnersandbeer!

OurtimesatMtMarthawereamongstthehappiestofourlives:great,simplebutveryactivefun.YouandDadwerealwaysapartofwhatwedidbutinaverynon-interferingway.

Youmayhavehadtroubleonoccasionsworkingoutthevenueformeals–insideorout?Butyoualwaysprovidedforallofus.Asyouusedtosay:youwere“greatatcookinginbulk”.

YouandDadwerepivotalinthesuccessofourverymanyhappyfamilyMtMarthaholidays.

Courtside at Mt Martha


Another family day at the boatshed

John, David, Rowan, Richard and Sarah sharing Mt Martha

The Russells celebrating Xmas together in 2013

The Russells celebrating Xmas together in 2012.

“Our times at Mt Martha were amongst the happiest of our lives”


GrandchildrenWarm hugsThethingsthatIremembermost fondly about youGrandma are your lovelywarmbighugs,howhappyyou are to see everyoneenjoyingMtMarthaandyouramazingly sharp memory.I also remember youwatchingeverysingletennismatch on that court, but Idon’t thinkIeversawyoupickuparacquet.Youalsohaveagreatloveofreadingandgoingtothetheatre.

HowcouldIforgetallthoseweekendsyoutookmeoutofboarding school? Itwas always fun spending theweekendat ‘Grandma and Grandpa’s’. You loved telling stories. IrememberyoutellingastoryofMrMyer(ormaybehisson)andyoubothgoingswimmingtogether.

Grandma lovesher family, and is soproudofusall.Youlove all of your grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ihavenevermetsomeonewhoseesfamilyas importantasmyGrandmadoes.

Love Paul, Felicity, Eleanor and Alfie

Picking up a tennis racquet – better late than never


“I have never met someone who sees family as important as my Grandma does.”

Paul, Alfie, Felicity and Eleanor

Felicity, Paul and Alfie


Playing gamesWhenIthinkofyou,Grandma,Ithinkofafewthings.

Yourloveofcardgamesandallsortsofothergamesaswell.Youtaughtme500,CanastaandsomanyothergamesthatIdonotknowthenameof.PlayingforhourswasanabsolutehighlightofanyholidayatMtMartha.

YourloveofwatchingthetennisatMtMartha,havingdrinksandchattingtotheextendedfamily.YoualwaysseemhappiestatMtMartha.

Adam, Géraldine and Valentina-MariaAdam, Géraldine and Valentina-Maria

“When I went to work in Alice Springs as a tour guide, you emailed me more than anyone.”

Howswitchedonyouareabouttinydetails.Grandpawouldsaysomethingandthenyouwouldalwayscorrecthimonthemostprecise thing.Evenwhenyouwouldsayyouwereforgettingeverything,yourdetailedmemoryalwayssurprisedme.

When Iwent towork in Alice Springs as a tour guide, youemailedmemorethananyone.YouandGrandpawerenotofthetechage,butyoubothadaptedtoeverythingincrediblywell.


Yourloveoftheartsandreadingalwayssurprisedme.WhenI visited Mt Martha, I always remember you with a book.Readingwasapassionofyours.EachChristmasandbirthdayyouboughtusbooks,whichmaynotbeunique–butthetypeofbooksyouboughtuswere.Thesebooksreallypushedtheboundaries. They were not what I expected, but I alwayslovedtoreadthem.

Love, Adam

Cuddles with Valentina-Maria

“Valentina loves your pusher, she probably knows by heart all the contents of the pouch…”

Playing with childrenValentinalovestogoandseeherGreatGrandma.

Sheloveskissingyouandplayingwithherdollywithyou.You and Valentina put dolly to bed, kiss her and tell herstories.Valentinalovesyourpusher,sheprobablyknowsbyheartallthecontentsofthepouch,takeseverythinginandout indefinitely.Valentina goes for awalk herselfwith thepusher,whichmakeseveryonesmile.

Valentina is really fond of the time she spends with herGreatGrandma.

Love, Géraldine and Valentina XXX


CardsMostofmywarmestmemoriesofyouinvolveplayingcards.BothGrandmaandmyNanwerebigcardplayersandfosteredaloveofcardsinme.FromGoFishtoOhHell–youwerealwayshappytositdownandplayahand.Youwereanavidsupporterofnotusingone’sfingerstocount.Unfortunately,asIwasabigfingercounter,it’ssafetosaythattheissueoffinger-countingaroseateachcardssession.

Happy90thBirthdayGrandma.

Lots of love, Kristin & Dan Lots of love, Kristin & Dan

Kristin learning to swim at Mt Martha

Kristin

Kristin and DanKristin and Valentina-Maria

Kristin

Kristin and Dan


The memories I have ofFinchStandnightsstayingatGrandmaandPa’saresofondand clear. After spendinghoursrunningaroundinthegarden,wewouldbecalledto dinner at the big formaldining table.Paat theheadandyouwithyourapronstillonusheringeveryoneto thetable.Idon’tthinkporkandapple sauce has ever tastedsogood!Adeliciousmeal,awarmcosydiningroomfilledwithchatter.

ItwasthenbathandPJtime,andwewereallowedtositinthe“TVroom”infrontoftheoilheatertowatchTVbeforebed (with dessert on ourlaps). Coming from a houseoflimiteddessertandnoTV,thiswastrueheaven!!Thebiggestdilemmaofthenightwaswhichofthemanybedroomsandbedstosleepin…Sarah’s,Rowan’sorRichard’s?

The hostessThemostvividandfondmemoriesIhaveofGrandmarevolvearoundtwosignificanthomesyouandPahavehad–FinchStreetandMtMartha.

Eliza, Georgia and Nick

Andrew, Louie, Georgia and HeidiAndrew, Louie, Georgia and Heidi

“You were always the one catering, leading the cards charge, making sure everyone was busy and happy…”


MtMarthamemoriesarefilledwith action packed days,lots of family, and collapsinghappyandexhaustedintobedat night. Tennis, the beach,water skiing behind Joey,swimming,moretennis,lunch(insideourout?),moretennis,some cards perhaps, a tripinto town, cricket on TV outthe back with Pa and moretennis. You were always theonecatering,leadingthecardscharge,makingsureeveryonewasbusyandhappy,andthenfinally retiring to the deck inyoursunhat,drinkinhandtowatchtheRusselltennismatch(cheeringnomatterifyouhitormissedtheball!).

You have always been awonderful host, interested inwhatever your grandchildrenaredoing,fullorenergyandspark, and enjoying seeingallyourfamilyspendingtimetogether.

Thank you Grandma and

HappyBirthday.

Love, Georgia, Andrew, Heidi and Louie xoxoxoxHeidi’s birthday card

Heidi enjoys being pushed around

Heidi sitting on the walker

Heidi enjoys being pushed around

Heidi sitting on the walkerHeidi sitting on the walker

Heidi’s birthday card


Congratulations on your 90th, almost an antique! I’m sodisappointedIwon’tbetheretocelebrate,butwillbethinkingofyouandrememberingourtimestogether…

Flexi Boston buns

Eliza

Eliza and Camilo in ColombiaEliza and Camilo in Colombia


Pine cone painting and cardplayingatMtMartha.Chewyroast lambwithmint jelly atFinch St. Fine dining at theWestin and a show at theRegent.Yourgenuinelykeeninterest in us, books, life,newideas,youngpeopleandSavoy biscuits. Chasing thetraindowntheplatformwith

youasa littleGeorgiawaswhiskedawaybyahastytraindriver. Lunches and afternoon tea chats at Wattletree Rd(youwerealwaysverypoliteaboutmycakes).FlexiBostonbunon the veranda atMtMartha.Thefly-spray-flavouredperfume incident and your gracious sense of humor thataccompaniedit.YourperfectlypeeledapplesinfrontoftheTVatFinchSt.Yourencouragementonthetenniscourt.

I hope you have a wonderful day shared with family andfriends,Grandma. Look forward to a champagnewith youwhenI’mback.

Love, Eliza and Camilo

James, Camilo and Eliza

“Your genuinely keen interest in us, books, life, new ideas, young people and Savoy biscuits.”

Eliza and CamiloEliza and Camilo


Card sharkNeedlesstosay,Grandmaisacardshark:youaretheQueenofClubs, theDameofDiamonds, theTycoonofTrumps. Ican’t really think about youwithout picturing you holdingadeckof52,casuallyshufflingthemfromtimetotime.It’salmostasifapackofcardsissomevital,externalorganyourequire,andprovidedyouhaveone,bothyouandtheworldcanfunctionnormally.

Grandma,youintroducedmetocardsatFinchSt,schooledmeatMtMarthaandcontinuetoflogmeatVictoriabythePark.I’mstillyettobeatyou.Maybeit’sjustthe“RussellGene”(interestingly, it was recently confirmed that the collectivenounforRussellsisa“competition”),butyouhaveneverletmewin.Notevenwhileyouwereteachingmetherulesdidyouallowmejustone,confidence-buildingvictory.

With Stephanie and Nick

“It’s almost as if a pack of cards is some vital, external organ you require,”


I think itwasmy lackof success in canasterand gin rummy thatmade me turn tomagic tricks over cardgames. Iwas better atbeing able to predictsomeone’s card, or bymysteriouslymakingallfourJackslineup,thantryingtomakearunor

ameld.I’mnotconvincedyouknowhowIdothesetricks,butyour response isalways: “Well, isn’t that trixie”. InitiallyIwasn’t quite surewhattrixiemeant,butI’vesincelearntitcanmeantricky,special, interesting, odd,bamboozling, disgustingorimpressive!

Ultimately, now that Icanproduceanacefromup my sleeve, my cardplaying has improvedremarkably. So I’m looking forward to my next game ofBridgewithGrandma!

Love, Nick and Stephanie

Stephanie and Nick

At Phillip Island for Stephanie and Nick’s wedding


Hakuna Matata!HakunaMatata!What awonderful phrase.HakunaMatata!Ain’tnopassingcraze.

Agedseven,YayatookmetoexperiencethejoysofPumbaa,TimonandSimbarunningriotintheAfricanjunglesinThe Lion King at the theatre of dreams: Chaddy. I recall YayasittingbesidemeasIroselikeaproudlioncubtobeltoutthisclassictune,singingloudlyandhorriblyoffkey.Theotherkidsaroundmemusthavebeenmoreafraidofmysingingthanthevillainofthefilm,Scar,butYaya,inhersupportiveand lovingway, tolerated it and letme enjoy the ride. I’llforeverrememberthisday.

“It’s one of those unforgettable and irreplaceable moments as a kid where anything in the world was possible, where the joys of seeing a wonderful film were only matched by the loving company of your favorite Grandma.”

Tim learning to ride a bike at Mt Martha

Tim before the screening of his film ‘Horse Feathers’ at Cinema Nova


It’s one of those unforgettableand irreplaceable moments as akidwhereanything in theworldwas possible, where the joys ofseeingawonderfulfilmwereonlymatchedby the loving companyofyourfavoriteGrandma.Andofcourse, at the endof theday, itmeans:Noworriesfortherestofyour days. It’s our problem-freephilosophy,HakunaMatata!

Love, Tim

Tim’s 26th birthday party

Tim is now writing and directing filmsTim is now writing and directing films


Tim TamsYaya, wishing you a veryhappy90thbirthday!Iwantto say thankyou for suchspecialmemories at FinchStreet, Wattletree Road,Alice Street, Victoria bytheParkandatmyhouse,Hawthorn Grove. One ofmyfirstmemoriesiswhenIwas three. Iwas stayingwith you and Pa at FinchStreet, IwasholdingyourandBigTed’shand,whenthere was a knock at thedoor.Werantoanswerthedoor, and there was littlebabyAnnabelle!

Xmas morning at Mt Martha

Celebrating birthdays

“...you tried to teach me Bridge but it just wasn’t for me...”


I used to love coming forsleepovers at either Aliceor Finch street, where youwouldspoilmerotten,readmefantasticstories,playallthesenewgames including500, Canasta (you tried toteachmeBridgebut it justwasn’tforme)andIwouldtrytostealalltheTimTams(if you ever wonderedwheretheywent!).

Thank you very much forsupporting me throughmylife.

Love, Elizabeth

Grandparents’ day at Lauriston

Liz and Annabelle

Grandparents’ day at Lauriston

Liz and Annabelle


Annabelle

Annabelle, Géraldine and Valentina-Maria

LaughterHappy90thBirthdayYaya!Ifeelsoluckytohavegrownupwith suchacaring, funand lovinggrandmother. Ihave somanywonderfulmemoriesatMountMartha,FinchStreetandmorerecentlyVictoriaByTheParkfilledwithlaughterandhappiness.

Love, Annabelle xx

Annabelle, a nurse at The Royal Children’s Hospital

Annabelle, a nurse at


Many memorable momentsYaya,HappyBirthday!Ihopeyouhaveawonderfulday.Iamsurethatyouwillenjoyreading(andpossiblyre-reading)thesememoriesthatothershaveofyou.Formejusttomentionone“memorablemoment”withyouisquitehard,astherearesomany!ButthemomentsatMtMarthastandout.Theserangefromplayingboardgamesonthediningroomtable,supervisingmeinthepoolandofcourseyousittingonthedeckwatchingtheRussellsplayingtennis“againsttherestoftheworld”.SoagainYaya,happybirthdayandIlookforwardtomakingmorememorieswithyouwhenIgetbackfromoverseas.

Love, George x

George and Géraldine at Mt MarthaGeorge and Géraldine at Mt Martha


The BridgesJoanieUntil the age of 12 years, I lived in Horsham and was a“countrykid”.WewouldoftenbeinvitedbyJoanietocomeandspendschoolholidayswiththeRussellFamilyat73FinchStreet,EastMalvern,oratMtMartha.

Joanie,youwerealwaysagreatorganiser.Andyoulovedkids.AswellasyourownchildrenandafewBridgeKids,therewouldoftenbeotheryoungpeopleinvitedtoparticipateintheseholidayactivities.

Whilst staying with the Russells in Melbourne, two of myfavouriteactivitiesweregoingice-skatingatStMoritz,StKilda,andplayinginthetennis tournamentatGlenIris.Thebest

part of the tenniswas the mixeddoubles becauseyou arranged formetobepartneredwithChrisCordner.

Ross, Tom, Kate and Biddy at Barwon Heads

playing

Ross, Tom, Kate and Biddy at Barwon Heads

“You and my Mum were shining role models as to how women could be talented, caring, fun-loving and resourceful.”


Chris was a talentedplayer and was verytolerant of my missedshots!

Mt Martha Days werefull of beach, sun,swimming, salad rollsin theboatshed, tennismatches against thehighly competitive

Russells,dancingtotheBeatlesattheMtMarthaYachtClub.Joanie, you seemed tireless in your enthusiasm to give usallagreat time,andyousucceededindoingso.

Thank you, Joanie, youhave been a warm andgenerous Aunt andGodmother to me! Youand my Mum wereshining role models asto how women couldbe talented, caring, fun-loving and resourceful.There was never anyquestionthatyouandyourhusbandswereequals.YouandPeggyarebothlegendarytome.IamsurethatalltheBridge/Russell/Read offspring and our children and grandchildrenwillcarryonthefinevaluesthatyouhavetaughttous.

Weloveyouandthankyou,Joanie.

Biddy and Ross and family.

Penny, Deb and Biddy

Biddy

Penny, Deb and Biddy


The entertainer

Our dear Joanie, our amazingAunt, our secondMum anddearfriend.

Thank you for being so much part of our lives. You andRoy were always there for us and so generous with yourhospitalityandlove.

Somanyfondmemories–especiallylonghotsummersatAliceStreet. Joanie, themostwonderfulentertainerandprovider,themultitudeofBostonBunsandendlesssaladrolls.Andalwaystheofferofaninstanttea!

Haveawonderful90thBirthdayJoanie.

Our fondest love, Margie, Jim and Family

Margie and Jim with the birthday girl


Generous spirit

Xmas at Barwon Heads with Sarah, David, Joanie, Simon, Margie, Roy and Deb

Xmas at Barwon Heads with Sarah, David, Joanie,

Joanie, you areone ofthe mostimportant peopleinmylife.Youaremore than just anAunt,you werealways there forme, forus Bridgechildren.Youmusthavebeen anamazing supporttoourMum,atrulywonderfulsistertoMum.Wewerealwaystakenintoyourhome,asoneoftheclan,andwespentalotoftimeinyourcarethroughoutourlives.

My most vivid early memory is of when Penny was borninHorsham,andIwassentofftoMelbournetostayforanextendedperiodwithyou.Atthatstageyouhadonlyboys,andyoulovedtotreatmeasyoursurrogatedaughterduringthat stay. You bought me a little pink handbag to take toMalvernGrammarPrepSchool,whereIattendedastheonlygirlintheschool,goingwithRowan.

Joanie,youwereasecondmumonsomanyoccasions.IamsureaschoolholidaydidnotpasswithoutspendingsomeofthetimeeitheratMtMarthaorFinchStreet.Notonlydidyouprovideuswithmeals,abed,funactivities,lotsofchocolatecake, icecream that cameoutof abucket sizedcontainer,butyoualsohadaconstantstreamofboysforustotaketoschooldancesetc.


WeplayedintheGlenIristennis tournament, andwent to the Mt Marthayacht club dances, andallwithcousinsandtheirfriendsontap.Youwerealways ready for a joke,andmadeus laugh lots.Youneverworriedaboutsillypompandnonsense.

Youwerealwayssopractical.Youhavebeenawonderfulrolemodeltome.Youweretrulyproudofyourrole as a mother, and valued theimportanceofthisrole.Yoursenseoffamilyhasbeenpassedontous.Youalwayshadtimeforyourfamily,bothimmediateandextended.

You also shared your love ofreading with me. We have oftenshared books, and had similartaste in our reading. You arealways interested inwhatweare

up to,and followkeenly the livesofmychildren.Youaresuchagenerousspirit.

IhopethatIcanbehalftheAuntytomyniecesandnephewsas youhave been tome.You are awonderful person, anamazingmothertoyourownchildrenandsecondmothertousBridgechildren.Weloveyou!

Deb and Pat and family xx

Deb and Pat at Barwon Heads

Deb and AlexDeb and Alex

Deb and Pat at Barwon Heads


Hugging booksDearJoanie,Happy90thBirthday.

Afternoon tea at Penny’s with TedAfternoon tea at Penny’s with Ted

Penny and Lawrie

Lawrie and Rowan

Penny and Lawrie

Lawrie and Rowan

Whenever I think of

you, I feel warm and

nurtured. You were

so wonderful to me

as a little girl – always

there to help and

relieve Mum, and most

importantly,youareand

were fun. We played

cards,kickthetin,drank

champagne and always

laughed.Youtaughtme

the loveof readingand

that it is OK to just sit

andhugabook.

Thankyou forbeingso

interestedinourchildren

andourlives.

Lots of love, Penny and Lawrie and family


Juggling the mobThankyouJoanforbeingsuchawonderfulAuntandfriendtoourfamily.

MymemoriesarestrongestofMtMarthadays.Oursecondhome over summer. Whilstjuggling your own mob –andtheirfriends–youmadespaceforusBridgekids,inthe most inclusive mannerpossible. You always madeus feel welcomed – andpart of the mob – and forthisIamextremelygrateful.

Forme,thiswasgettingmyheadaroundcityboys–andhowtheydidthings.IalwaysfelttheRussellboyswerejustabitmoresophisticated–andofcoursewinningwaseverything–beittennis,cricket,tabletennis,slipscatchesonthebeachoranythingelsewhichcouldbeconstruedasfaircompetition.

Youalwaysmadesurewewerefairlymatched–withabitofstretchwherepossible.Iwasthrilledwhenyounominatedmetobeincludedinamen’sfouronthetenniscourt.IwouldbeverypleasedtobeteamedwithRoy–withhissharpwitandreadylaugh–orforthatmatterSarah–whowasbetterthanmostofthemen.

ThankyouJoanforthewonderfulexperiencesthisgavemeasachildandyoungman,butalsoforthesupportthisgavetoMum–atatimewhensheneededit.

All my love, Patten

Jim Daish with PattenJim Daish with Patten


Words of wisdomDear Joanie, there are somany things that I’m thankful toyoufor,butprobablytheonethatmakesmesmilethemostishowyouencouragedmetoexploretheoutdoors.DoyourememberwhenIwasabout9yearsoldandstuckinthebiggreenarmchairatMtMarthaasIdiligentlytriedtoknitaballofwool aday to complete a scarf?Atonepoint you said:“Enoughisenough”,andhidmyknittingneedlesandkickedmeoutside!Idon’tthinkI’veevercompletedaknitteditemsince,andprobablynowdon’tspendlongenoughsittinginarmchairs.ButIhavecertainlymadeupfortheseshortfallswithmyenjoymentoftheoutdoors!

WhenIwasalittleolder,andmybrothersandsistershadallleftforthebigsmoke,MountMarthabecamemyhomeawayfrom home. You reserved a bed forme next to Sar’s, andcaredformelikeadaughter.YouwereendlesslyencouragingofthenumerousMountMarthaactivitiesIdid,eventhoughIwasneverthatgoodatanyofthem!Inparticular,IrememberyouwatchingpatientlyasSarandItriedtocompleteatabletennisrallyupto100,andyourdefenceofmytennisstrokeswhenRoycomparedthemtoRussellstandards.

Apartfromsportingactivities,youinstigated,andsometimesturned a blind eye to, all sorts of social activities, whichenabledtheoddsummerromancetoblossom.

Finally, and inhindsight,perhapsmore important than theconfiscationofknittingneedles,Ithankyouforsomewordsof wisdom you gave me many years ago. Your words ofwisdominstilledinmeasenseofself-beliefthatIrepeattomyselfsometimesandremaingratefulfor.


There is so much in your lifeto celebrate Joanie! You are awonderfulrolemodel,andyoursenseoffunandgenerosityhasbeenpasseddownthroughthefamily. I feel so lucky thatyouare my Aunt, and that Grace,

Thea and Eve sharewith you and Sar some of theMountMarthaMagic.

WishingyouthehappiestofBirthdays.

Much love, Emma

“Your words of wisdom instilled in me a sense of self-belief that I repeat to myself sometimes and remain grateful for.”

Fitzgeralds with Mary Whiteside


Greatly lovedHappy 90th Birthday! Simon would so wish to be here toshare this occasion. He had so many happy memories oftheMtMarthadaysandyourgenerosity, loveandsenseoffun.Jessie,FrancescaandIgottoshareinsomeofhislatersummervisits toseeyou,Royandhiscousins.Thesewerealwaysgreatdaysofbeingwarmlygreetedandorganisedforswimming,waterskiingandtennis.Reallywonderfulfamilytimes!

You have given somuch to somany people and you aregreatlyloved.

Love, Mary

Francesca, Mary, Jessie and Simon

Love, Mary


The Reads90 years youngHavingknownyouforthelast68years,wehavegottoknoweachotherverywellassisterandbrother.Howeveritisnotquite as simple as it first appears. You have always had agreatsenseofhumourandyouknowhowtohavefun.Weallenjoyastorytoldbyyou,withappropriateorinappropriategloss,dependingonhowyouchoosetotellit.

Someofyourstoriesbecamelegends.Bearingthisinmind,Ihaveoneimportantquestionformy90yearoldsister:Asonelittlebirdsaidtoabigbirdinthechildren’sbook:“Areyoumymother?”

Thismayseemtobeanunusualquestion,asweallknowyouarenotmymother.Butyoutellthestorywithgreatauthority,whichmaygivesomeoutsiderssomethingtothinkabout.

On a winter’s day in 1945, when you were still living at

My younger brothers


“Loness”,ourhome inCamberwell,youansweredaknock

atourfrontdoor,withmeinyourarmswhenIwasavery

smallbaby.YouweregreetedbyRoyRussell,whoyouhave

toldusgotsuchashock,thinkingIwasyourbaby,thathe

didn’tcomebackformonths,untilhewassatisfiedwhomy

realmotherwas.Thiswasveryfortunateforyouandforme,

asyouandRoygotmarried,andIbecame,ineffect,yourde

factoson.

All thisbackgroundmustbeseenagainst thewaychildren

were dealt with when born out of wedlock. If a young

unmarriedgirlbecamepregnant, after thefirst fewmonths

shewould be sent away to the country to have the child.

Themotherwouldmaintainthatshewaspregnantandhada

child,whichwasinfactthedaughter’schild.

Lunch with Richard and Mariette at Mt Martha

“You took me under your wings, and made a great difference to my life. “


Thisisanamusingstory,butofcourseIamsureyouarenotmymother.Ourmotherwas44whenIwasborn,andDadwas53,andmanypeopleinthosedayswouldhavethoughtthatthiswastoooldtohaveachild.

MumandDadwereverygoodparentstomeandtoyou,PegandJose.Inmyearlydays,Iwasgrowingupasanonlychild.Becauseofthisagegap,MumandDaddidnotmeetyoungparentsfrommyKindaorschool,andthishadadversesocialconsequencesforme.Theywerealsotoooldtoplaygameswithme,andyouweretheretofillthegap.

Youtookmeunderyourwing,andmadeagreatdifferenceto my life. Your son, John, was born in 1949 and was 4years younger than me. I was the “big” 4-year-old uncle!Johnbecamemydefactoyoungerbrother.Webecamebestfriends,andsharedabachelorhouse together inKooyong.IwasJohn’sbestmanathiswedding.

IhavehappymemoriesofyourflatinAdneyAvenueKewandyourprideandjoy,thelittleblueAustinA40.RoywasthenaCommercialAirlinepilotwithANA,andwasawayalot.YoutookJohnandmetoparks,swimmingpoolsetc.YoualsotookustoMtMarthawhereweplayed100sofgamesoftennis,andspenthoursonthebeach.Theseearlydayswerehappydays.YearswentbyandDavid,Rowan,RichardandSaraharrived.YouwereverybusywithsmallchildrenbutthechildrenandRoycamefirst.Youhavedevotedyourwholelifetoyourfamilyandnowyouhavebeenrewarded.Each of your children, and grandchildren, has been verysuccessfulintheirchosencareers.


YouwereverycaringtoMumandDadin theirfinalyears,and you have helped me a great deal. In particular youenthusiasticallyadoptedMarietteasyoursisterinlaw.ItwasawonderfulandgenerousgesturecomingtoourweddinginHollandin1977.

YouwereveryclosetoRobertandTomassmallchildrenandhelpedMariette inmanywayswith the children. Thiswasgreatlyappreciated,asMariette’smotherwassofaraway.

Haveaveryhappy90thBirthday,

With love from Richard (Your baby brother)

Visiting Mariette and Richard in Mt Eliza


First port of callShortly after meetingRichard in 1976, youwarmly welcomedme into your largefamily, which wasnot unlike my own,as I, like Sarah, haveno sister but only 4brothers, not dissimilarin age to your sons.Dinner at the Russellhouseholdtendedtobefunbutincrediblynoisyas the boys with theirsonorous voices werekeen to outdo eachotherintellingthemostoutrageousjokeswhichtended togowayovermy head (which youmay have thought wasagoodthinganyway).

When Richard and I decided to getmarried inHolland inJanuary1977,andGarniewantedtobetherefortheoccasion,yourealisedthatshewouldneedsomehelpasshewas75yearsoldandtherefore“frailandelderly”.Youorganisedtoflyoutwithherwellaheadoftheweddinginordertoallowhertoacclimatise.YoupersuadedRoytobringRichardand

Mariette Read


Sarah aweek later. You arrived exhausted inHolland onNewYear’s Eve, butGarniewas unstoppable anddraggedyou sightseeing inwinteryAmsterdam straightaway.Age isobviouslynotthedeterminingfactorinsufferingfromjetlag.

Itmeanta lot tomethatyouwerealwayskeentobepartof our expanding family and you were my first port ofcall whenever I needed help or advice, which was often!You immediately dropped everything when I suffered asetbackearlyintomyfirstpregnancyandIrangyouintears.YoutookmetomyspecialistinEastMelbournestraightawayandyouheldmyhanduntiltheallclearwasgiven.

Asourkids’defactoGrandmother,youalwayscametotheirbirthdaycelebrationswhentheywere little.Youseemedtoenjoytheirpartiesasmuchastheydid.Youevencontributedtotheentertainmentwhen,likeGoldilocks,yousatononeofthelittlechairswhichpromptlybrokeandyoucametorestonthelawnwithathudandallthekidsburstoutlaughing.Aclowncametoyourrescuetohelpyouupagain.Youtookitingoodgrace.

Throughouttheyears,youhavegivenmeyourunquestioningsupport.You inundatedmewithhospitalityand friendship,you brightened my dark days with your wicked sense ofhumourandboundlessenergy.Iamverygratefultoyouandproudtobeyoursisterinlaw.

Happy90thBirthday,dearestJoan!

Mariette


Larger than LifeJoanhasalwaysbeensuchanimportantpartofourlife–wethinkofyoumorelikeaGrandmotherthananAunt.

Irememberyoubeingatmostofourbirthdaysandgettinginvolvedwithusasyoungkids.Youwerealwayshappytobedownatourleveland,onetimewhenIwas6or7,yousatonourkids’stool,holdingcourt,whenitgaveway.Wealllaughedveryhard,asdidyou!

Youwere very good supportingMumandDadwhile theyworkedduringschoolholidays;wewereoftenatFinchSt.InfactyousatdownandwatchedthenewreleaseofBMX BanditsonVHSwithus!

Amanda, Chloe, Robert and AnnabelleAmanda, Chloe, Robert and Annabelle

“Joanie, you always make us feel welcome and an integral part of your family”

Weall lovedgoing toMtMartha–swimming,beach, Joey,learning toplay tennis.Most of all,MtMarthawas a focalpointforthewholefamily.YouandRoyalsodeservesomecreditforhelpingmefindmywife,Amanda.Thankstoyour


friendship with the DeCrespigny’s,youputinagoodword...soforthatIamverygrateful!

Joanie,youalwaysmakeus feel welcome andan integral part of yourfamily. Your larger thanlife energy, formidablememory/mind andhospitalityarethingsthatIreallycherish.

HappyBirthdayJoanie!

Love Robert, Amanda and Family

Ted visiting Victoria by the Park

Amanda Read with Chloe and Annabelle Amanda Read with Chloe and Annabelle


Family stories

MymemoriesofJoanareofgreattimesatMtMartha.When

there,youwouldalwayswelcomeusand thenRoywould

farewell us with his glasses in his pocket and tapping on

Dad’scarroof.Myearliestmemoriesareoftheexcitementat

thepotentialofgoingonaboatrideinthebayandplaying

onthebeachorintheswimmingpool.Whenwewanteda

drinkorsomethingspecial,thereyouwerespoilingallofus

with some cordial or something to nibble on. I have fond

memoriesofyoualwaysbeinghappy toseeusReadboys

andJulianne,andhowexcitedyouwerewhenyoufirstmet

ourMiainmorerecenttimes.Youhavealsobeenwonderful

attellingafamilystoryandrecallallthedetailsofourfamily

whilsttellingofpasttimeswithsuchpassion.

Mia, Tom and Emma


Joan you are now 90, awonderful celebration tobe had I’m sure. I’d liketo say Happy Birthdayand thanks for being alegendaryaunt.

Thanks also for alwayslooking afterDad and forsharing so much with alltheReadchildren.

HappyBirthday.

Lots of love, Tom, Emma and Mia

Mia, Tom

Richard and Mariette with their children and grandchildrenRichard and Mariette with their children and grandchildren


Back doorJoanie, I remember youalways walking up theback steps at BickleighStreettoattendoneofourmanyafternoonteasandbirthday celebrations.You would never usethefrontdoor.Wewerealways delighted aboutthis because, to us, itmeantyoureallyfeltpartofourimmediatefamily.

You have alwaysbeen,andcontinuetobe,soverykindand generous tous.We are thrilledto be a part ofyour 90th birthdaycelebration!

Love, Julianne and Luke

At Julianne and Luke’s wedding

with Julianne


Hosing down

IhadgrownupwithstoriesthatmyfathertoldusofthetwoReadgirlsandhisholidaysatMountMartha,whichheadored.Hewasagreatexaggerator,likeyouJoanie.Irememberyoutellingmeoneday,afteroneofyourparticularlyoutrageousstories:“Whyspoilagoodstorywiththetruth?”Sincethen,Ihavetakenyouradviceonthat,muchtoRichard’sfrustration!

WhenRichardandIfirstcametoAustraliain1971,westeppedofftheplaneinaheatwave.Ihadneverexperiencedanythinglikeit.YoucouldseethatIwasnotsuitablydressed,soyousuggestedthatIstoodinaflowerbedattheairport,underthesprinklers,whilstyouwenttogetthecar.Whenyoureturned,Iwascompletelysoaked,butfarmorecomfortable!ThatwasthestartofyouhosingmedowninthegardenwheneverIgottoohot,muchtotheamusementofyourfamily.

Sarah and Gaynor at Roy’s celebrationSarah and Gaynor at Roy’s celebration


So,dearJoanie,asI look back overall those yearsandthewonderfulmemories offun filled, hotsummer days atMount Martha, Ifeelsohappythatyour family hastaken me in asoneof theirownandthatwehaveallmanagedtokeepintouchthroughtheupsanddownsofourverybusylives.ThankyouandRoysomuch forall thekindnessandgenerosity thatyouhaveshownmesincewefirstmetin1971.

Wishing you a very happy 90th birthday dear Joanie.

Gaynor and Richard visiting Mt Martha’s newest coffee shop

“That was the start of you hosing me down in the garden whenever I got too hot.”

Gaynor is never far from a hose


The Russells90 glorious years

Itisabeautifulmorning,startingthedayforyour90thbirthday.

I remember the very happy days we spent with you andthe family atMtMartha and several very specialChristmasdays. You were always fun and welcoming to us all. Myboysrememberthefundaysonthebeachswimmingoffthepontoonandplayingkickthetinandothergameswithyouincharge,makingsureweallhadahappytime.

90gloriousyearsandmanyexperiencesandspecialoccasionswith your family and friends. Congratulations and enjoyeveryminute.

Love Gilly Russell and family

Gillie at my 90th birthday party


Many laughsNeilofcoursehasmemoriesgoingbackfarlongerthanmynearly50years,startingwithaskingforsixpencetopayforapieatyourwedding.Thereweresomememoriesthathedidn’t ‘fess’ up to but they were embellished by Roy andhilariouslysobyyou.Forinstance,itemsofunderwearfoundinoddspots.Nothis,andcertainlynotmine!Neil’sbreakingintoFinchStreetbypickingthesmallest,butmostexpensive,window,theleadlightbesidethefrontdoor.

One of myearliestmemorieswas leavingRobbieasa tinybabywhilstIhada blessed fewhoursoff.Onmyreturn, I foundmy naked babyon the diningroom table atFinch Street,

beingexaminedbyacoupleofstudentdoctors,stethoscopesandthoserubberdiscsonsticksweretothefore!

Somanylaughsenjoyedinthathappyhome.HilariousstoriessharedandsometimesimaginationalonehadtogetmeoverthelineifIwasn’tluckyenoughtoactuallyhavebeenwitness.IrememberatalebeingtoldaboutabustriparoundtheLandoftheLongWhiteCloud.Asthedescriptionsunfoldedofalltheotherhappytravellers,whoprovednotbeso,Iremembertears rollingdownmy faceasyoudescribedgetting them

Sue, Annabelle and GeorgiaSue, Annabelle and Georgia


all into gear withyouleadingasing-a-longfollowedby aaCongaline!

Joanie,youwithoutdoubt were ourfavourite PinkLady.Inthosedaysyouswitchedrolesfrom the warmestfunniestin-lawtoa

Robbo and Neil

Rowan and SueRowan and Sue

a

Robbo and Neil

“...you switched

roles from

the warmest

funniest

in-law to a most

compassionate

caring one”

most compassionate caringone.Howwonderful youweretoour little family,packingup thePinkLadyuniformandpoppingonthedriver’sgeartotakeusbacktoBanoolforasurprisetrip.SomanythingsI’meternallygratefultoyoufor.

Happybirthday,andthankyouforallthememories.

Love Sue and Neil Lawrance


The GriffithsTennis fan

Joan, you havea special placein each of ourhearts, owingto the part youhave played inour lives overmany years.You are somuch loved bysomanypeople.

You,Royandyourfamilymademefeelsoverymuchlovedand “part of the family”whenChris and I beganour livestogetherin1973.

AswehadaweekenderatMtEliza,wesawalotofyouandRoyoverthenextsixteenyears,beforeweleftMelbournetoreturntoQueenslandin1989.

Anna

Playing Bridge with Anna and Chris is less terrifying than playing with Etta!

“You and your family made me feel so very much loved and “part of the family”...”


SpendingpartofmostweekendswiththeRussellfamilywasalwaysfun.Iremembersittingonthedeckwithyou,sippingchampagneasChrisandRoybattleditoutonthetenniscourt–withtheoldieschallengingtheyoungies.

Ican’tsaythatIrememberanyofthevictoriesordefeats,asyouandIwerefartoobusychattingaboutmoreimportantthings, making sure to call, “Well played!” or “Well left!”,withtheoccasionalappropriateapplause.IsmilenowasIthinkofit.

ButJoan,youaremuchmorethanfun.Youareawonderfulmother,wifeandfriendandactuallysavedmylifeonce,beingtheexpertnurseyouhadtrainedtobe.

Love, Anna Griffith

Golden hairMy story begins in 1943, whenat thirteen I began four years ofsecondary education, travellingall the way from Queensland toVictoriaattheendofeachJanuary,returninghomeeachDecember.

I was a rather bewilderedthirteen-year-oldwhenIwasmetatSpencerStreetStationbyAuntBea,Garnie,thematriarchoftheRead/Griffith family. Garnie waswonderful, looking after me foralltheschooltermholidayseachChris GriffithChris Griffith


year,atCamberwellandAliceStreet,MtMartha.You,allofsixyearsolderthanme,actedasaloving,oldersistertome,theyoungschoolboy.

Youwere amost attractive youngwoman,withwonderfulauburn/golden hair, who thought nothing of taking mealongtothecricketorafootygameattheMCG,despitetheattentionsofseveralbeauxwhowouldhavemuchpreferredtimewithyou,withoutayoungchaperoneintow.

I loved those times I spentwith you and the rest of yourwelcomingfamilyandthen,muchlateron, the timesAnnaandIsharedwithbothyouandRoy.

Love, Chris Griffith

Fruitful lifeC o n g r a t u l a t i o n son the occasion ofyour 90th birthday!Birthday greetingswith best wishes forhealth and happinessintheyearsahead.

You have enjoyed 90yearswiththe joysofa wonderful familyandfriends–sotrustyouhavemanymore.Iamhonouredtobeatthegreatcelebrationofyourfruitfullife.

Kindthoughts.

With my best love, Beth Griffith

Beth and Anna


GodchildrenThe best godmother everIbelievemymother, thenJoanHastie,met youat Invergowriewhen you were both filling intime after finishing school andbeforetertiaryeducation(agapyear?). Judge and Mrs Read,your parents, were wonderfultoMumand,alongwithalltheirfamily,werelifelongfriends.

We grew up being told that AuntJoan and Uncle Roy, my father’sgreatfriendfromGeelongGrammar,met at my parents’ wedding on13 October 1945. The four alwaysremainedclosefriends.

Weseemedto spendlotsoftimewith theR u s s e l l s .Youalways

remembered my birthday and ourfamiliesusuallymetaboutthattimeinSeptember.Wealllovedgoingto Mt Martha and always enjoyedspending time in the Read’s house

Jim and Joan DeCrespigny’s wedding

Holding Viv DeCrespigny as a baby

John and Lachlan (standing); Viv holding

David; Robert


inAliceStreetand,inlateryears,intheRussell’shouse,whichtouswasinthebackgarden.MtMarthahadagreatgardenandsomuchspacewherewelovedplaying.Itwasalsoahighlightgoingtothebeachandenjoyingthebathingbox,theplatformanchoredawayfromtheshore,andlaterevensailingamongstotherthings.MtMarthahadgreatsandforbuilding castles, although how the grownups managed somanysmallchildrenupanddownthecliffishardtoimagine!Bothfamilieswereverycompetitiveandtenniswasafavouriteactivityforall.

TheRussellshavebeenlikefamilyandithasbeenamazinghowourpathshavecrossedovertheyears.OneofthegreatcelebrationswasAmandaGray’smarriagetoRobertRead – such a happy wedding when the two familiescelebrated together. Amanda is a grand daughter of JimandJoanChampiondeCrespignyandRobisagrandsonofJudgeandMrsRead.

I knowMumandDadwouldwishyouaveryhappy90thbirthday.Dadwouldhavelovedtocelebratewithyouall!Mumwouldthinkshe is inthebestplace.Shemissedyouoverthelastfewyearsbutlivingwasalltimeconsuming!

Myloveandbestwishestomyverykindandthoughtfulgodmother.

Love Vivien Beer (né Champion de Crespigny)

Viv Beer


School friendsRiversdale Road tram

Ray Martin Ray’s graduation

IhaveknownJoaniemostofmylife.WemetontheRiversdale

Road tram going to school – I was at Scotch College and

youwereatTintern.Wehavebeengreatfriendseversince.

Youcametomyuniversitygraduation. Ihavemanyhappy

memoriesofbothyouandRoy.YoucametovisitRenaand

me when I was working in New York and Canberra. We

continuetoenjoyvisitingMtMartha–Sarahcooksusaroast

dinnerinsideorwehaveacasuallunchoutsideonthedeck.

Manyhappyreturns,dearJoan.

Love, Ray and Rena Martin


Nursing FriendsBlessed generationMywarmest goodwishes for your birthday. I’m so sorry Ican’tbewithyouforyourcelebrationbutIshalldrinkatoasttoyouontheday.

Ihavesomanyhappytimesinmymemoriesofyouandallyourfamily.Wewereindeedablessedgeneration.

Mylovetoyouandallyourfamily,butespeciallytoyou.

Moyle Cordner (né Stubbs)

Lunch at Point Lonsdale with MoyleLunch at Point Lonsdale with Moyle


Mt Martha friendsCommon senseIfirstknewJoanatMtMarthawhenIwas6andmybrotherPeter was 4. You and Peggy would take us to the beach.Whenouryoungestbrotherwascriticallyill,you(andEllenPeppard)nursedhimatFairholme.Afterhedied,JudgeandMrsReadinvitedustostaywiththematMtMartha(asalsodidVinandHelenWoods).

I formed a closebondwithRoy,beinginterestedinhisearlyflying career. Clarealso has very fondmemoriesofyouJoanwhenwefirstmovedto Mt Martha. WhilstIwasaPharmacistatDromana,youkindlyintroduced Clare toJenny Nutt, whoin turn invited hertojointhetennisgroup,thusenablingClaretomakemanyfriends.WehadthetwolittleboysandClarewaslonelyasher familyand friendswereall inMelbourne.Youradvice,warmthandgeneralcommonsense issomethingClarehasalwaysappreciated.

Webothwishyouamemorableandhappy9Othbirthday.

Love John and Clare O’Donahue

Reminiscing with Clare and Johnny O’Donahue

Reminiscing with Clare and


Great DNAI was recentlyplayingtennisontheRussell court againstSarah. Joan, on thedeck, sunhat firmlyaffixed, barrackingfor me. Only ‘rightandproper’asIhavehad the pleasure ofknowingJoanfor56years, longer thanSarah.Sarah’s response: “But IhaveyourDNA,Mum.”“GreatDNA”,I thought.Tome,youhavenotreallyalteredsinceIfirstmetyouatMtMartha,whenIwasin my early teens. Direct, forthright, warm, a sharp and, attimes,causticwit.Privilegetoknowyou,Joan,andtosharethissignificantday.Love, Enid Williams

Walks and talksIt has been a joy to get toknow you, Joan, during thelast 6 years. Always veryengaging and interested inother people. You have agreat sense of humour, andwe have enjoyed our walksandtalks.

Happy90th!Chris Rennie

Outside lunch at Mt Martha with Chris and Enid

Chris and Enid


Queen Protea

BirthdayblessingsdearJoan.Happy90thBirthday.

TheQueenProteaspeaksofyouropenness to lifeandthebeautyandvibrancyofyou,withamyriadparts thathavemadeyourrichandlonglifemuchlovedbyyourfamilyandfriends.

We have so enjoyed the meals we have shared with youanddearSarahoverthesepastyearsatMtMartha-welookforwardtomoremeetingswithyou.

Wewishyouawonderfulcelebrationtoday-withmanyhappymemoriestofollow.

With love from Georgia and Thalia (G n T) xx

Thalia and Georgie


Victoria by the Park friendsFrom L to P platesMrs Russell – you have encouraged me to improve mywheelchair driving skills.We have been out and about onmanywalksinthesunandfreshair.Intheearlydays,almosttwoyearsago, IwasdefinitelyonmyLplates.Youwouldadvisemetoslowdown,takethekerbscarefully,nottocrossthebluestonepavingandtocheckthatthebrakeswereonwhenwestop.

The paths round Elsternwick are in good repair, the dog-walkers love to talkwith you andHopetounGardens is awonderfulplacetositandenjoyagingerbeerandnibbles.

Underyourwatchfuleye,IhavegraduatedfromLstoRedPsandnowtoGreenPs.Therehavebeenincidents:boggedinasanddriftonAliceSt(whenyoujokinglyaskedme:“Would

Maggie doing wheelies on Mt Martha tennis court


youpreferthatIwalked?”);lostonthewaybackfromtheMilkBaronKooyongRd;losingafootplatenearGardenvalePark;aflattyre;gettingquitewetinacloud-burstonthewaybacktoVictoriabythePark.Butyoualwaysgivemeawarmsmileandachuckle.Yousay:“Don’tworry,youwillimprove!”

Love, Maggie Kidd

Beautiful ladyIamblessedtohaveajobthat I enjoy and I havethe special residents tothankforthis,you,Joan,being one of the veryspecial.

WhenIstartedatVictoriaby the Park, you andRoywerealreadysettledin yournewhomeandyoumademe feel verywelcome.

FirstthingeverymorningwhenIarriveatVictoriabythePark,Igeta“goodmorning“andalovelysmilefromyou,agreatwaytostartmyworkingday.Webothhaveagreatappreciationofchocolate,chocolatefrogsbeingourfavourite.

Youarethematriarchofaveryspecialfamily,somethingthatyou can be very proud. A loved mother, grandmother andgreatgrandmother.Yourfamilygiveyougreatpleasurewiththeirvisits.

Itisaprivilegetobepartofyourlife.Happy90thdearestJoan.

Love, Jenny MacAulay

Jenny at my 90th birthday party


Sense of humour IfirstmetJoanandRoyinMarch2011whenmymother,Pat,movedintoVictoriabythePark.

Many animated andinterestingconversationsover a wide range ofsubjects occurred. Pratowas a favourite as mydaughterisstudyinglawand also the early daysofAnsettandtravel.

After Roy died, I continued my lovely chats withyou and subsequently became friends with Sarah.Youhavealwaysbeenverykeentoknowaboutmytravelsandpartiesandwehavemanagedtohavealittlechatalmosteveryday.

Iparticularlyenjoyedreadingyourbookaboutyourlifeandhavealwaysadmiredyouforyoursenseofhumour.

CongratulationsJoan,mysecondfavouriteresidentatVictoriabythePark,onyour90thbirthday.Thankyouforinvitingmetoyourparty.Itisaprivilegetobehereandcelebratewithyou.

Love, Jane Morison

Jane MorisonJane Morison


Distinguished friend

Itisagreatjoytodaythatwecongratulateourdistinguishedfriendandneighbouratourdiningtable.Ithasbeenmygoodfortunetoobserveyourmanyskillsandshareyourwonderfulfamily. We love Sarah joining us at our dining table, andsharing many a laugh (and chocolate). We thank Joan forsharingSarahwithus.

I thank you, Joan, for always being yourself. You havemanaged to educate all your family in a quiet and lovingmanner.

AllthebestdearJoan.

Love, Trudi Frank

Dinner partners: Etta, Marion, Lorraine and Trudi


Rummy Tiles

Joanand Ihavebecomegreat friendssincemeetinga fewyearsagoatVictoriaByThePark.Wewerebothbornin1924and often reminisce about the past, especially our mutualinvolvementinCamberwellwhereyoulivedformanyyears.Istartedandran‘TheChocolateBox’inCamberwell,soourlives were a little intertwined by the close geography. WenowchatintheafternoonsandenjoyplayingRummyTileswhichkeepsusfigurativelyspeakingonourtoes...obviouslynotliterally.

Love, Rose Adler (with Gary)

Trudi and Mrs Adler

Playing rummy tiles with Mrs Adler


A unique time in our lives

Congratulationsonreachingthisfabulousmilestone.Wefeelthatwehavecreatedaspecialbondwithyouandyourlovelyfamily.Myparents,SamandRoza,andRoyandyoutogetherformedaverycloseandspecialfriendship.Wemissthemallandwillalwaystreasurethatuniquetimeinourlives.

YouandSamwereagreatsourceofcomfortandfriendshipduringthesadnessoflossinyourlives.Wewishyouaveryhappybirthdayandmayyoucontinuetoenjoytheloveandsupportofyourlovelyfamily.

All our love and best wishes, Helen Russek (Sam Epstein’s daughter)

Celebrating my 90th birthday with staff and residents at Victoria by the Park


Children’s friendsGenerous hospitalityJoanie,youare themuch-lovedgeneralwhoorchestratedthewonderfullyhappydynamicsofMtMartha.

Deb Lockie and James Harvey

James and Catherine Harvey

“For so many of us, you and Roy provided some of the happiest days and most treasured memories of our lives.”

James and Catherine Harvey

On an average summer’s day, there were several familyfriends staying, some of uswith generous extensions. TheHancockswerecomingfortheday,theGlenswerejoiningfor tennis and theBridgeswere arriving for afternoon tea.Youremainedcheerfullyenergisedandunfazed,makingusallfeelsowelcome.Andifallthebedroomsandtheplayroomwerefull,wecould,anddid,sleepintheboat!

WelovedcentrecourtatMtMarthawhichtransformedtotheG, theafternoonsat thebeach followedbybarbequesandnightsofgamesandtricks.

Forsomanyofus,youandRoyprovidedsomeofthehappiestdaysandmosttreasuredmemoriesofourlives.Weareeternallygratefulandareallenrichedbyyourlovinghospitality.

Mayyouhaveawonderful90thbirthday.

Love, James Harvey


Splendid milestoneI am sad not to be with you all to help celebrate such asplendidmilestone.

YouwereoneofthefirstimportantpeoplethatImetwhenI arrivedon these shores from theUK.Youmademe feelverywelcomeandwereverysupportiveinyourwarmthandinterest.Ihavealwaysenjoyedyourcompanyandourchatsaboutourfamilies.Wesharethesamepassionforchildren,booksandmusicandofcoursetalesofJamesandhisexploits!

Lotsoflove,

Catherine Harvey XX

GuideI have somany very happymemories of holidays spentwith your family – virtuallyevery school holidays fromthe May holidays in 1959for nearly 10 years! I justlovedbeing there,mostlyatMtMartha but sometimes atFinchStreet.Youwereatthecentre of everything. Everymoment was fun; and therewere always kids comingandgoing.

I know lotsofpeoplehave similarmemories.Wewereallveryluckytohaveyouguidingitallsolovingly.

Love, Chris Cordner

Penny McMahon and Chris Cordner


Hostess with the mostessJoan (aka “Mrs Russell”), Happy Birthday! You came intomy life at 18 and Matthew’s (my then boyfriend and nowhusband)prettymucharound the same time. I admire somuchaboutyouJoan,especiallyyourunconditionalloveforyourfamily,shownthroughactionaswellaswords.

Icanseeyouareacentralfigureinyourfamily’slivesbutitseemedtomeyoupreferredtheroleof“2-I-C”–playingthe‘straightman’tothecomediansinyourfamily,allowingthemtoshine.Itriedtobeclosebyyouifanyanecdotewasgoingdown,asyouramusingasidestothosewithinearshotwerealwaysgold!

Lunch outside with Matt

“It’s a privilege for both Matthew and me to have been part of your life.”

BothMattandIadmirehowyouhavelivedoutyourvalues- strength, enduring love, compassion, acceptance andpatience.IhavealwaysbeenstruckbyhowunderstatedyouandMrRussellwereandhowgenerousyouhavebeenwithwhatyouhave,tosomany.Thisgenerosityextendedtoyourwarmwelcomestous,andmuchlater,toourchildren,intoyourhomeatMtMartha.


Itwasyouwhoinstructedmetopickup a racquet, stand at thenetand‘JustblockSari,block!’

I remember when Matt waslookingforpart-timeworkwhenhe was a student at MonashUniversity.Helpfulasalways,youarrangedforMatttocomearound

toFinchStreettotransfersomeagapanthus.Afterputtinghimthroughhispacesinthegarden,youreportedlydeclaredthatMatthew’suteandother‘credentials’(involvingshortshortsandT-shirts)meanthewouldbeideallysuitedfortheladiesofEastMalvernandyou’dbedelightedtoputhimontheregisterattheCitizens’AdviceBureau(CAB).

You really have been the‘hostess-with-the-mostest ’ !Whenever I hear the phrases:“Isittooearlyforalittledrink?”or“Shallwegetsomerollsforlunch?”,mymemoriestransportmetothekitchenandthedeckatMtMartha.

Wereallycouldn’thavehadmoredifferentbackgroundsJoan,butyoufoundallthewaystobridgeanygap,tobridgethegenerationsandourprofessionallives,asyouhavewithsomanyotherpeople.Thankyoufor33yearsoffriendshipandforbeingagreatexampleofstrength,love,compassionandacceptance.It’saprivilegeforbothMatthewandmetohavebeenpartofyourlife.

Verybestwishesforawonderfuldayforyour90th!

Love, Sari and Matthew Baird

Sari and Matthew

Sari


Warm hostPeterandImetJoanwhenwe stayed at the Russellhome in Mount Marthaearlier this year. You area warm host with a sharptongue and cheeky senseofhumour.Atlastwehavemet someonewhocanputSarah in her place with afewquietwords.

Duringourstay,welearnedabout much of MountMarthathroughtheeyesofsomeone who has spent alifetime of family summersin this tranquil, bayside retreat. We were heartened todiscoverthatevenRussellchildrenhadtofinishtheirchoresbeforetheycouldescapetothebeachorrunamokalongthewinding,dirt tracks through thesurroundingscrubland.Nodoubt,youalwaysranatightship.

EachafternoonwewouldjoinyouontheverandahtoplayafewhandsofBridgeortacklethedailycrossword.Watchingyousittingthereinthelateafternoonsun,dogsofallshapesandsizessprawledatyourfeet,Ithoughthowniceitmustbetoknoweverynookandcrannyofaplace,firstasagirl,thenasawifeandnowasagrandandgreatgrandmother.IfI’mtodothat,I’llneedtoliveuntilI’matleast136!

Luella Paine and Peter Lamburd

A lifetime of memories: from horse to wheelchair


Laughs beside the fireHullodearJoan!

Do you remember

PunchandJudy?Well,

I’mJudi,oneofyour

newer friends. We

played Rummy Tiles

and Ambush with

SarahandMaggieon

a May weekend at

MtMartha.

YouandSarahtoldMaggieandmestoriesaboutyourhappytimeswithyour familyandyourmany,many friendsatMtMarthaandFinchStreet.Whileyouweretalking,ourdogs,BronteandMisseyandPepeandCharlie,ranaroundlikeabunchoflittlekids.Weallhadalotoflaughsbesidethefire.SarahcookedsomewonderfulmealsandyoulikedthelemontartIboughtfromCavallini’sbakeryinCliftonHill.

ThesunshoneandyouwalkedaroundthetenniscourtandthenitrainedandweplayedBridgeandyouwon.Weallhad

Resting in between laps of the tennis court with Judi Resting in between laps of the tennis court with Judi

Put another log on the firePut another log on the fire

“… what a warm and generous friend and hostess you have been to so many people over nearly a century.”


averygoodtimeandIsaidtomyself:“IhopeI’masfunnyandsharpasatackasJoaniswhenI’m90”.

TheRussell family is so lucky tohaveyouas theirmotherandgrandmotherandgreatgrandmother.Andwhatawarmandgenerousfriendandhostessyouhavebeentosomanypeopleovernearlyacentury.90years-that’sagreatinnings!

Congratulations, Joan. I’m very glad Sarah introduced us!Maybenexttimeweplay,I’llbeatyouatAmbush!

A warm hug from Judi Kiraly

Dinner at Mt Martha with Peter, Lou, Georgie, Enid and Thalia


90th birthday partySpeechesSarahWelcomeeveryonetoaveryspecialmilestone–Mum,Yaya,Grandma, Joan and Joanie’s 90th birthday. I asked Mumrecently how she got to live this long – and she replied:“BecauseRoylookedaftermesowell.”Mumwasalsoveryluckytohavelovingparents,GarnieandPapa,andsiblingsPeg,JoseandRichard.Theyalllookedaftereachother.ThisgaveMum the strength to look after us all – her children,grand children, nieces and nephews, cousins, and all her,andherchildren’s,friends.Mumhasdedicatedherlifetoherfamilyandfriends,anditiswonderfulthatsomanyofuscanbeheretodaytocelebrateherbirthday.

Thisisthefirst90thbirthdaypartyIhaveeverorganised,soIwasnotawarethatIshouldfactorinlastminuteapologiesduetofracturedneckoffemursandotherorthopedicinjuries.Mum’s cousin,Bill Thomson, and friend, PatHancock, arenotheretodaybecausetheyarebothrecoveringafterhavingplatesandpinsinserted.WhenJanetThompsonphonedme,I recalledmymother’s60thbirthdayparty(whichwasalsoheldatmyhousewithRobertReadasaveryyoungbarman).At thisparty,Mumsaid,withhercharacteristicacerbicwit,thatsheneverexpectedtocelebrateher60th“NorthoftheYarra”.Ashewasleavingtheparty,BillThompsonstumbledonthesmallstepbetweenmyloungeanddiningroom.Hewarnedmethatonedaysomeonemightslipandsueme.Iampleasedtosaythatnoonehas,butIamverygladBillbrokehisfemurathome,notheretodayatthisparty!


WhenMumandIstartedtoplantoday’scelebration,Mum’sideawastohaveasimpleafternoonteawithhergrandchildrenandgreatgrandchildren.Inhercharacteristicallyflexiapproachtoentertaining,MumstartedtoaddpeopletotheguestlistthoughIdrewthelineathavingabusloadofresidentsfromVBTP! Mum has made many friends at VBTP and we willcelebratewiththemwiththeleftovernibblesandtipplesonheractualbirthday,15thApril.

So, in thespiritofhavingacelebrationwith justhergrandandgreatgrandchildren,GeorgiaandJameswillspeakabouttheirGrandmother.

Birthday party speeches


Georgia

Ihavehadareadofallthestoriesinthebook–andtherearesomethemes:

l Your great interest ingrandchildren and greatgrandchildren;warmhugsandgreatsenseofhumour.

l FinchStreet:sleepovers(roastpork and lamb); cards (500,Canasta,BridgeandGoFish);card shark- Nick describescards as one of your externalorgans;JamesisgladhecanbeatNickatsomething!

l MtMartha: tennis–watching,encouraging,neverpickedup a racquet; lunch spreads – “inside or out”; teachingboardgames,senseofhumour;flyspraystory.

l Greatgrandchildren:playingdollswithValentina;havingafternoonteawithHeidiatVictoriabythePark;notalwayssurewhichgreatgrandchildbelongs towhom– thoughtLouiebelongedtoStephandNick.

l LoveofArts:loveofreading,theatre,filmandsharingthesewithyourgrandchildren.

l Reading:booksthatpushedtheboundaries

l Theatre:showsasbirthdaypresents;Tim’sfondmemoriesoftheLion King.

l Movies:grandchildren’sadventurestothecityformovies.

l Sharp:correctingPa.

Thank you for being our grandmother.


James

I couldn’t sayGrandma, so Icalled you Yaya. Itstuck. I don’t speakGreek, nor did I at2 years old. Strictlycoincidence.

Yaya,Youtookmeon“outings”.Wehadsomuchfun,butImustconfess, I blame you, and youalone, for my profound love ofall things fried– especially FishandChips.

Yaya,Itreasuretheearlydays:meinthe“boxroom”,youteachingmeboardgamesand,moreimportantly,cards.YouwillbeproudtoknowthatIlove-and,likeyou,amquitegoodat-cards.Thankyou.TheBridgelessonswilltakemetoalevelwhere-atleast-IwillbeatNick!Withyoutothank!

Yaya, thank you for being such a fantastic Yaya for me.Someone who has believed in me, despite good evidencetothecontrarywhichwouldresult indoubtformost.YourdevotiontofamilyissomethingtowhichIwillaspire.

Yaya, my grandma. Thank you for the formative years, your support and love.


Susie

On the way from MonashUniversity to the tennis cluboneday with my new best friend,Rowan, a stop was required atFinch Street to collect the rightgear.Weweregreetedatthedoorby Joan,whom I had nevermetbefore.

Larger than life, warm, andwelcoming, she grabbedme, ledmetothekitchen,andpouredusbothenormousginandtonics. Itwas3intheafternoon.Rowiehadleftustogotogetchanged.

Bythetimehereturned,weweresettledonthecouchinthesunroomand Joanhadworkedoutwhomyparentswere,whatschoolIhadgoneto,andthatIwasprobablyahopelesstennisplayer.

WewerewellintooursecondginandtonicbythetimeRowiereappeared.IwasquiteinclinedtostaywithJoan,ratherthango towatchhimplay tennis.We “clicked”, andhavebeengreatfriendseversince.

ThankyouJoanforbeingsuchasupportiveandnoncriticalmother-in-law,forshowingsomuchloveandpatiencewiththe children, for teaching me how to play Bridge, for allthe discussions about books and the theatre, for the daysof laughter and fun at Mt Martha and for your wonderfulexaggeratedstorieswhicharelegendary.

Happy 90th birthday Joan.


Rowan

Iaskyoualltonowraiseyourglasstoawonderfulwoman:Joan,myMum

love and laughter with joan - research matters · 2 love and laughter with joan how wonderful to...

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