A CELEBRATION OF A REMARKABLE JOURNEY







When 98-year-old Irene Marie Jones moved to the Opal Care Nursing Home in Alfred Cove, it was a new chapter in her life. The loss of her beloved Edward Lloyd Jones; who she was married to for 71 years and shared her age, led her to be in a place that was most close to one of her children.  “I felt all alone.  I had to relocate to the Opal Care Nursing Home; a three-minute drive away from my daughter Michelle.  However, I stayed self-confident.”

Born on 09 May 1927, and raised in Rangoon (Burma), Irene has been fiercely independent.  In 1966 when 39, the then stenographer relocated to Sydney (Australia) and began her career in the private sector.  Irene’s favourite hobby was baking and making cake decorations.  She baked her son’s wedding cake and carried with her the two-tier delight on the flight to Perth.

In 1980 when 53, Irene relocated from Sydney with her family and settled in Ferndale.  The love for her growing family of three sons and four daughters had Irene retire when only in her fifties.  However, it did not deter her from pursuing her corporate skills.  Irene continued working, but from home, and as an Avon Representative. Edward, who then worked in aviation, chose to retire too and the couple focused on spending more time with each other and with their children who were ready to go their separate ways.

In 2009 when 83, Irene and Edward moved into Catholic Homes in Wilson – their home away from home; where they spent 12 years.  To these then non-drinking, non-smoking and God-loving octogenarians, at the time, it was the best chapter of their lives.  They played cards, entertained friends and drove around town.  Their favourite stop was the local Church where Irene did the laundry until she was 92 and Edward served as an Acolyte until he was 93.   On returning home, the duo immersed themselves in the stimulating world of cryptic crosswords.  “This until Edward’s dying day.”  While enjoying their social lives, the Jones’ kept intact their Catholic values.  Till this day, Irene keeps preaching to the children, “the family that prays together, stays united with one another.”

Sadly, in Dec 2021 and at 94, Edward passed away.  By that time, so had most of the couple’s friends.  It changed Irene’s life…But not her self-confidence.  Irene spends her time in front of the TV and on the phone.  She regularly speaks to her immediate family members. Irene’s extended family, who have settled in the Eastern States, Germany, South Korea and the USA, visit her at least once every year.  However, it is the students from the neighbouring primary schools who bring in the youthful fervour.

Irene loves her nursing home; she feels spoilt by its five-star treatment.   And enjoys Mother’s Day and her Birthday celebrations.  This because she is surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and can be childlike in their midst; blowing out her candles.  However, during the last four years, this nonagenarian who is mother to seven, grandmother to 15 and great-grandmother to 17, misses only one flame – her beloved husband Edward.  “I want to be with Dad…He is waiting for me.”   Responds her son, 69-year-old Reginald, “Not before March 2027 Mum; which is when we will celebrate our Golden Jubilee and your Centenary.”

SOPHIE MENEZES


Comments

  1. Anita GoodJune 24, 2025 at 4:50 PM

    What a beautiful story of a remarkable lady.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sophie's ChronicleJune 30, 2025 at 10:52 PM

    I agree Anita; thank you for your encouraging feedback.

    ReplyDelete

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