By Kath Gannaway
Long before Yvonne O’Connor moved into Yarra Ranges Advent Care (YRAC) in Warburton around 20 years ago, she was very much at home there.
Yvonne celebrated her 100th birthday on 31 December, 2016, at home, at YRAC where she had been a regular and much-loved visitor and supporter for many years before making the move.
Yvonne’s three daughters, Gloria, Lorraine and Julee were joined by residents and staff of YRAC for the very special New Year’s Eve party.
Warburton has been home for around 50 years and Gloria said her mum just loved being part of the local community, and part of the Seventh-day Adventist community.
Yvonne found herself a single mother of three girls after her husband Colin Grosser was tragically killed in a truck accident.
It was five years later, after remarrying, that she moved to Warburton with her new husband, John O’Connor who worked at Signs Publishing.
“Mum just loved Warburton,” Gloria said.
Yvonne lived in Blackwood Avenue and later in Unity Court and loved walking up to the township and the natural environment around the Yarra River and the mountains.
“I wanted Mum to come and live with me, but she said Warburton was her home and I knew she would love being there, which she does,” Gloria said.
There is a definite sparkle in Yvonne’s eyes when asked about her 100th birthday party, celebrating another milestone among many for one of Advent Care’s favourite residents.
