Mercy Place Westcourt Celebrates First Ever ‘Grandparents Day’

Following on from Pope Francis announcing earlier this year that he was establishing the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which will take place each year on the fourth Sunday of July, a Cairns aged care home was quick to embrace the inaugural day at the weekend.

Mercy Place Westcourt took the time to acknowledge all of the 84 residents at the Catholic not-for profit care home on the day, and amongst them was be 93 year old Bessie Squair, who is not only a grandmother to five - Clinton, Keann, Todd, Marni and Gavin, but also a great grandmother to nine - Alysha, Jack, Archie, Elise, Jade, Jimi, Tyler Grace and Jarrod.

The nonagenarian was born in Brisbane and moved to Cairns with her mother when she was 12 years old, where she has lived ever since, bringing up her two children and subsequently doting on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“She’s just been a fabulous mum who adored all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and would do anything for them,” says her daughter Roz Borghero.

“She has worked hard during her life, and was actually the breadwinner of the family when my father had a very bad railway accident and was in hospital for four years.  She worked as a tailoress when she was young, and then did ironing and cleaning for many well-to-do people in Cairns for many years.

“Above everything though, mum has really enjoyed each day of her life.  She loved dancing, playing the piano, which she learnt by ear, and has always enjoyed knitting and crocheting, as well as dressmaking. But most of all she has just loved her family, most especially her grandkids and great grandkids and would do anything for any one of them.”

Mercy Place Westcourt’s Service Manager, Zubair Coovadia, said staff held a special celebration on Sunday 24 July for all the residents at Mercy Place Westcourt.

“This new World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is a wonderful opportunity for us to recognise the selfless dedication, love and care that grandparents and the elderly have for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and in some cases, great-great-grandchildren,” he says.

“Our residents, without exception, have all led full and interesting lives just like Bessie, and we had an opportunity last Sunday to recognise their uniqueness and celebrate this special new date in the calendar, which Pope Francis has declared.”

Pope Francis announced the institution of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in January this year, stating that it would take place each year on the fourth Sunday in July, close to the feast of Sts Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.

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