by Joan Pobjoy

Gwendolyn Monica Kelly/Street was a local identity who left her imprint with several community organizations across the hinterland and was loved and highly respected throughout her nursing career and by all whose lives she touched. 

At 89 years of age, Gwen peacefully passed away on July 24 at Nambour General Hospital.

Following her Funeral Service on July 30 at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Nambour – the cortege moved to the Eumundi Garden Cemetery for her committal and interment alongside her late husband, Reuel.

It was my privilege to serve as Carer & Enduring Power of Attorney for someone who had devoted most of her life caring for others.

Eulogy

Gwendolyn Monica Kelly/Street was born on November 20, 1930 at “SunnyBrae” Private Hospital in Eumundi – the youngest of 14 Children (12 being from a previous marriage).

When her father Samuel Kelly married Monica Brooker, Harry & Gwen were born, much to the delight of their older siblings — the offspring of some of whom are present today.

Sam Kelly was a prominent figure in the district. He farmed, trained race horses and was elected to the local council, eventually serving in the role of Shire Chairman.

Gwen grew up on her father’s grazing property at Belli Park and attended primary school at the local one teacher, one room school – then secondary school at Gympie and Pomona. Her only mode of transport being by horse and later- pushbike.

Gwen and her brother, Harry spent many happy weekends riding miles around the district & when a six week rail strike occurred in Gwen’s final year of high school, she rode the 30 miles to Pomona on Monday and then back home on Friday.

She studied the piano for several years, developing a love for classical music especially orchestral and grand opera.

After leaving school, Gwen worked as a clerk in the Butter Factory at Eumundi and Caboolture for six years. This was followed by two years working as a Governess for the McCarthy family on “Moonby Downs” sheep station outside Hughenden looking after their two young daughters, Tricia & Margaret.

At the end of this time, Gwen finally achieved her lifetime ambition for nursing. She completed her general nursing training at Tweed District Hospital in Murwillumbah and Midwifery at Nambour General where she remained on the trained staff for another two years.

Gwen worked for a time at “SevenOaks” Residential Facility for the intellectually disabled at Fig Tree Pocket in Brisbane before taking up the position of Deputy Matron at the Cooroy Community Hospital for five years while she cared for her ailing mother.

After their move to Nambour in 1968, Gwen served with the Blue Nurses for two years and completed her nursing career with five years as Deputy Matron at Selangor Private Hospital, Nambour.

In January 1975, Gwen married Carrington Reuel Street at St. John’s Anglican Church, Nambour and they were blessed with almost 28 years of wonderful married life settling into a lovely home they designed & built in Berringar Court, Coes Creek.

Their sunroom had access to a balcony which became “ bird central” with Gwen daily feeding butcherbirds, magpies & kookaburras. Reuel & Gwen were founding members of the Nambour & District Museum, she also served in Nambour Legacy Care and in 2003 she qualified as a Justice of the Peace.

With a passion for family history, a past-time shared by Reuel up until his death, they published two family history volumes for the Kelly & the Bonnell family, of her maternal grandmother.

Another passion shared was travel. Reuel was an accomplished tenor performing in operas in Milan – Italy prior to the war.

Being multilingual, this facilitated their combined desire to travel overseas on a regular basis, making lifelong friendships and hosting them when visiting Australia.

Gwen’s passion continued after Reuel’s passing, taking the train across the Nullabor to Perth and on another occasion driving herself to Melbourne for the Melbourne Cup!

Gwen’s life changed dramatically following a severe stroke which left her completely paralysed on the right side of her body, wheelchair bound, with impaired speech and issues with her short term memory.

This of course related to the frustrations she felt on so many occasions … this amazing, outgoing woman being reduced to life in a wheelchair, in a nursing home environment.

A resident at Sundale for a short period, she then moved to The Claremont – later named Estia Health Aged Care, where she remained a resident for 9 years, involving herself in the various activities on offer – in particular, the Anzac Day Observance with her laying a wreath.

In closing – a quote written by Gwen prior to her stroke ... “I like being with my friends & family. I love animals, particularly dogs. I loathe answering machines & people who never return your call after you leave a message. Another thing that brings out my Irish is people who fail to indicate turning left or right. I feel I have had a full, wonderful and rewarding life and have been so fortunate to have met so many wonderful people along the way who have made my life so much richer”.

This hinterland area was her home – and the people in it were important to her. Many of those friends & staff are here today, attesting to that loving relationship & wanting to celebrate the life of a wonderful lady and friend.

Adieu Gwen – Travel well with your beloved Reuel.