Adelene Village is thrilled to celebrate a milestone birthday for one of its most cherished residents, Joyce Corbett. On 30th April 2024, Joyce turned 100 years old, marking a century filled with remarkable experiences, unwavering dedication to family and a lifelong passion for giving back to the community.
Born and raised in Enfield, Joyce is the second of four sisters. Her journey began with a strong foundation in family life, filled with cherished memories. At the young age of 14, Joyce entered the workforce at Angus & Robertson, starting in the mail order department. Her dedication and talent were recognised, leading her to become a bookkeeper before ultimately leaving the company to start a family.
Joyce married her beloved husband, Bern, shortly before her 22nd birthday. Together, they built a loving family, welcoming three children – John, Kerry and Brett.
After their children were grown, Joyce and Bern embarked on a new chapter, moving to Narara on Joyce’s 60th birthday. This move opened doors for even greater community involvement. Joyce joined the Narara Red Cross and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the esteemed treasurer for an impressive 17 years. Her service continued when she discovered a newfound passion for lawn bowls. Not only did she play in the Social Bowls Club, but she also served as their treasurer for 30 years. Today, Joyce remains an active member of the Gosford Bowling Club, cherishing the friendships forged on the green.
In 2001, Joyce and Bern decided to transition to retirement living. After exploring various villages, they found their perfect match in Adelene Village. This decision proved to be a wise one, fostering a vibrant new chapter in their lives.
Joyce has always embraced the opportunity to learn new skills. In her 50s, she surprised everyone by taking up cake decorating. “You’re never too old to learn,” Joyce says with a smile. “I loved making special birthday cakes for my family.”
Her love of learning continued well into her 80s when she began knitting dolls to donate to charity. These heartfelt creations brought joy not only to recipients but also to the Adelene Village staff, many of whom proudly gifted them to their grandchildren.
Joyce’s artistic expression extends beyond knitting. She finds solace and inspiration in singing and poetry. Joining the Sing Australia group 13 years ago became a cherished weekly activity, while her love for the written word continues to blossom with the creation of beautiful poems capturing life’s precious moments. One such poem, penned last year, is a testament to her love for Adelene Village.
Joyce’s commitment to volunteering extended to her new home at Adelene Village. She served on the Activities Committee, Residents’ Committee and even the Board of Directors. Reflecting on her contributions, Joyce beams, “I found it such a pleasure to organise events and outings for the village, seeing the joy it brought to my fellow residents.”
One of the factors that initially attracted Joyce and Bern to Adelene Village was the proximity to residential care. This thoughtful consideration proved invaluable when Bern required additional care in his later years. He moved to Rumbalara House, the adjacent facility, allowing them to spend precious time together despite his health challenges.
“We shared over 66 years of marriage before Bern passed away,” Joyce said, “and not a day goes by where I don’t miss him. I’m so thankful he could move into the facility next door so I could be with him as much as possible.”
Joyce has witnessed many changes at Adelene Village over the years, yet her appreciation for their choice remains unwavering.