"Always look on the bright side," says Joan

On 15 April, Resthaven Community Respite Services client, Mrs Joan Richardson, celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends. Growing up in Prospect with her parents and three siblings, Joan remembers the hardship of the Great Depression. Times were difficult then - hard work meant everything.

Joan’s father worked for the Railways and no matter how hard times got, her mother always kept her family fed and healthy.

Joan was particularly fond of her school years.

"I enjoyed school, particularly English. When I left at 16, I found work as a shorthand typist."

Joan continued working through the early years of the war, and in 1944, at St. Cuthbert’s Anglican Church Prospect, she married Mr Norman Richardson, who was serving in the Royal Australian Air Force.

They began their married life in Glenelg, and when the war ended, welcomed their two daughters, Jan and Helen, who have been constant for Joan all these years.

"Looking back on my life, I am so grateful to have had my two girls, who visit me every Friday. We have great fun together!"

A special memory from Joan’s life, is her time caravanning across Australia with her late husband, Norm.

"Once my husband retired, we purchased a caravan and went on our way! We enjoyed our adventures all around Australia."

Now, Joan proudly remains living independently in a local retirement village in Adelaide, enjoying her many social events and activities. Joan receives fortnightly visits from a Resthaven Home Support Worker, who assists her to continue living independently.

On reaching her centenarian milestone, Joan shares the key to a long and happy life, "Always look on the bright side."

Many happy returns, Mrs Richardson!

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