General News
31 July, 2023
A lifetime looking after others
Joan Bentley celebrated her 90th birthday last week, and said caring for others has contributed to her longevity. Joan Mary Bentley (nee Hogan) was born in Birchip on July 21 1933 to Birdie and Con Hogan, and grew up with three sisters and four...
Joan Bentley celebrated her 90th birthday last week, and said caring for others has contributed to her longevity.
Joan Mary Bentley (nee Hogan) was born in Birchip on July 21 1933 to Birdie and Con Hogan, and grew up with three sisters and four brothers.
“I went to school at the Whurly School - seven miles north-east of Birchip - as a young girl, and went through to achieve my ‘merit’ certificate at 13-and -a-half years of age.” Mrs Bentley said.
“They were difficult times - big families in those days with not much money around just after the war, so I spent many years helping out other families in the district.”
She first met the love of her life, Ben Bentley, at a circus in Birchip when she was 16.
They courted for six years prior to their marriage in 1955, when Joan was 22.
They moved onto the farm at Reedy Dam in 1956, and were soon blessed with four children: Colleen, Cheryl, Brian and Justin.
Sadly, they lost Brian in a trucking accident some years ago.
The family moved to Warracknabeal in 1977 to raise their family, and continued to expand their fuel business.
Mrs Bentley’s main interests have been centred around helping others through her life, including through her involvement with the Catholic Church.
She was actively involved with the Birchip church and school, and president of the Birchip Ladies’ Group at the football club.
After moving to Warracknabeal, Mrs Bentley’s sense of community interest led to her involvement with Woodbine, which lasted for 44 years and five terms as president.
Mrs Bentley also served as a member of the Catholic Ladies’ Club for 33 years, and was involved with St Vinnies for over 30 years - all charitable organisations.
This caring philosophy also led to her making daily visits to hospital patients for many decades; spending time with them for a cuppa and a chat, and keeping them company.
Mrs Bentley is also a keen gardener.
Until recently, she was often seen pottering in the garden at their Devereux Street home, and pushing the mower around their carefully trimmed lawns - even in her senior years.
Mr and Mrs Bentley enjoy the company of 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
“I love people and helping them,” Mrs Bentley said.
“This has kept me active, both physically and mentally, with great family support - which is important at my age.
I’ve always liked to help people, from a standard set by my parents Birdie ad Con from the earliest days I can remember.
The celebration of Mrs Bentley’s 90th birthday was held at the Creekside Hotel last Friday night with family and friends, and follows on from Mr Bentley’s celebration of his own 90th birthday which took place earlier this year at Anzac Park’s Community Centre.