“I LEAD a full and happy life and I hope to bring friendship and happiness to others.”
In these simple and sincere terms, Marie Bailey, who has lived in Doveton for 46 years, sums up her philosophy for life.
Marie is the outgoing president of a small but busy group of 13 members of the Wahines, a mature-aged women’s organisation which has been forging links with the local community for 29 years, and whose members are aged 60 to 86.
“We meet weekly on Thursdays from 10am until noon, school holidays included, and would welcome more members.”
Marie’s ‘hand of friendship’ extends to former original members of the Wahines Club who are now in nursing homes.
The foundation members are Dorothy Hanstock, Ann Lane, Mary Bayley, Isabel Seymour and Esme Naismith. Marie is full of praise for the ongoing spirit of new Wahines president Lila
Connor and Lila’s aim to fulfil the club’s objectives. The cost of joining Wahines is $2 per session. For more details, call Marie on 9791 8090.
Fifty years together
Fifty years ago I had the pleasure of writing about the wedding of prominent Dandenong couple Frank and Majella Holohan for the bridal columns of the Dandenong Journal, and they still retain the clipping.
Frank and Majella were to twice be mayor and mayoress of the City of Dandenong (1976-77 and 1984-85) where they are held in high esteem.
Frank was a councillor for 23 years and worked in real estate for 40 years.
The original wedding report is headed ‘Prominent Beaconsfield footballer marries local girl’. Majella said: “We married in St Mary’s Church in Dandenong and Frank’s uncle, the Reverend Father Frank Gorman officiated. The ceremony was on January 20, 1962.”
She and Frank have three surviving children – Michelle, Paula and Samantha. Sadly, they lost a daughter, Katie, who died at the age of eight. They have nine grandchildren whose ages range from three to 23.
They celebrated their golden anniversary at a party for family and close friends at the home of their daughter Michelle and son-in-law Rob De Koning in January and the cake they cut was made by Frank’s sister-in-law Beth.
Do you have a milestone, memory or question for Marg? Email marg@yourweekly.com.au or post submissions to A moment with Marg, c/o Greater Dandenong Weekly, PO Box 318, Dandenong 3175.
