Page 6 - BVG_Summer Newsletter 2023

6 BELLA VISTA NEWS, SUMMER 2023

Meet a Resident

Irene Smith

How did you get to school? I went to primary
school at Kogarah and secondary in Bathurst. I
walked both ways to and from school. My P.E.
teacher was my favourite teacher because I liked
sports. After my father passed, we moved back to
Sydney.

What did you do when you finished school? I
had the same opportunities as my brother, Frank.
I went to business college and did shorthand
typing.

Did you play any tricks on your parents or your What was your father’s profession? My dad
siblings? I was a little naughty, but my mum was worked with the Railway Company as a train
really strict so I couldn’t. I didn’t play any tricks on officer and later was a superintendent at St.
my brother, but he played tricks on me all the John’s Ambulance.
time.
How did you buy your first home? We
Did you face any disadvantages? After my father borrowed money from the
died, I had to choose to live with my mum or get government/building society and then just
married, I choose my husband Brian and we worked to pay it off.
married.
Do you have grandchildren? I have 2
Who was your first crush? I only remember the grandchildren. A girl and a boy. My
name John Pearce, I can’t remember details granddaughter is 13 and grandson is 11. They
though or that I’m going to tell you! are very good children. My son Craig is a
financial accountant and my daughter in law
Was there ever a time when you couldn’t afford
is a teacher.
to eat? I was fortunate and always had something
to eat even during World War II. How did the war affect your family? Dad had
to fight in the war. He was an Essential
Five things that are most important in life?
Services Officer.
1. Security from marriage
How did you meet your husband? I met my
2. House and car
husband, Brian at work.
3. Good family
4. Having a good husband Do you have any advice on how to bounce
5. My in-laws were kind to me. back after hard times? Just try your best. I
found it a little hard a first when I came to
What was your first apartment like? After my
Bella Vista Gardens, but I found good friends
marriage to Brian, we moved to Thornleigh and
to talk too.
that’s where I stayed until I moved into Bella Vista
Gardens. What does it take to be happy?
Relationships and contentment. I also think
What was your first car? My first car was a white
you need to be friends before you get
Holden Torana and my husband’s was blue.
married.
Did you ever play an instrument? No, but I wish I
did.