Isabel Turns 90!

Isabel, wife and carer to RangeCare client Trevor is turning 90 on Friday 23rd April, 2021.

We interviewed Isabel about her upcoming milestone, and reflected on her life so far.

Here's what she had to say.

Where were you born?

In Palmwoods. The house I live in was originally my mums, and then I took it over. It is coming up to 100 years old.

What did you do for work?

I taught music and then worked in the original Post Office in Palmwoods as a telephonist. After marrying Trevor I went back to teaching music to children and have been teaching ever since. I have been teaching for 50 years and hope to teach for another 5 years.

What are your hobbies?

I love reading anything that is a mystery.

Have you travelled? If so, where?

I have been to Perth, a trip on the Indian Pacific, England, Berlin, Belgium, Switzerland. I would like to go back to Berlin.

We had a trip to the Bavarian Alps. That was beautiful. We were close to the mountains and the snow coming down. The only thing I didn't have a trip on was the ski lift - I wasn't game.

Do you have any kids/grandkids/great-grand kids?

I have two daughters, 1 grandchild and 4 great-grand children - 2 of which are twins!

What are some notable things that have happened in your life?

I won an Australian Day Citizens award. A student I taught nominated me for all the things I have done in music in the area.

What do you enjoy most about being a RangeCare client?

We have been so lucky because everyone is so lovely, everyone you talk to at RangeCare.

They help Trevor with his exercises and don't let him give up when he wants to. It's usually my respite time when they are here and Trevor loves a chat with them.

How are you celebrating your birthday this year?

My sister will come up from Sandgate. She is two years older than I am, and she's been my second mother since the day I was born. She has been really good to me. I am really fortunate to have someone like her in my life. If I needed a kidney, she'd be the first person to put her hand up to donate it.

Do you have any advice for a healthy life?

Just keep yourself busy. That's what I've been all my life. When I was 16 I used to play for a lot of children's concerts in Palmwoods, and we used to take them to Montville. I was always doing something and being involved with children, I think is another thing to keep you young.

Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for the youth of today?

I think if when they get out of school, get interested in doing something like sport or get involved with music programs. I think music programs is one of the best things they can do - it's good for discipline, it's good for lots of things. Get involved in things that don't led them into trouble.