Aged care resident dies

Woy Woy Community Aged Care resident Ms Kathleen Jane Alderson died on Monday, September 24, aged 96 and had her body donated to Armidale University for science.

Ms Alderson's daughter Judie Stephens said following her mother's death they were left with the decision on how to say goodbye to her the way she wanted.

"Our small family and friends celebrated with our FareWell KathLeen Tribute at Victoria House, Bexley, which was within three kilometres of where mum was born and also the venue of her parent's 60th Wedding Anniversary in 1964."

Ms Alderson was born in 1916 at Kogarah and, while she worked as a nursing sister, married a medical man from St George Hospital.

"Mum then decided way back in the 1940s that marriage was not for her and so progressed her life as a single lady," said Ms Stephens.

She had her first home built aged 79 at Marks Point and christened it Puddle Place.

"The neighbours were wonderful and their support allowed mum to live in her place a little longer as was her wish," said Ms Stephens.

"When we had finished that project mum and I continued to travel together and mum, at times, solo.

"Our last holiday together was a Pacific Cruise when Mum was 92-years-old.

"The time came for a second try at hostel life and mum and I were drawn to Woy Woy Community Aged Care Hostel.

"On September 9, 2009, mum prepared for the move.

"Being a person of her own opinion and strong ideas she let the staff and residents know that she was one to be obeyed.

"The staff were amazing and allowed mum to be as independent as possible and provided a safety net when needed.

"Three months ago it was time to move down the hall.

"The same caring team and management ensured that the transition was as seamless as possible.

"Mum was a lady who did not ever accept boundaries or be told she could not do anything.

"The devoted Woy Woy Community Aged Care team worked with mum and gave her the best possible care and attention.

"Mum became confused and imaginary but the staff and support folks simply continued to do their personal best.

"Mum's last three months of life gave me the opportunity to be a core part of her care team and work intently with her doctors, nurses and care staff.

"As mum aged and evolved to another way of thinking, we all needed to stay strong and in gentle agreement.

"Thank you to all the team at Woy Woy Community Aged Care for making my Darling Duchess's three years with you special," said Ms Stephens.

Email, 27 Sep 2012

Judie Stephens, Darlinghurst