Marie makes the most of life
No worries, making the best of everything and doing your best are the secrets to long life for Drouin centenarian Marie Kerr.
Marie, who has lived in Gippsland for a majority of her adult life, turns 100 today.
Although family celebrations may be delayed, Marie will mark the milestone alongside husband Kevin at Lyrebird Village.
Born in Launceston and raised in Lilydale, Tasmania, Marie was the eldest of six children. She has outlived all her siblings.
Marie started a tailoring apprenticeship at 17 before joining the RAF at the beginning of World War II. She was stationed at Point Cook to continue her apprenticeship by making service uniforms.
Marie met Frederick Hogan of Melbourne, who had joined the army and fought overseas, during his return trips home.
They married in 1944 at
Cathedral.
The couple lived at Nilma where their two daughters were born; Wendy in 1946 and Gayle in 1948.
Marie and Fred spent a few years in Tynong before buying a farm in Denison in 1951. During this time, the family regularly attended Mass at St Michael’s in nearby Heyfield, enjoying their involvement in fundraising activities for the Parish.
Marie continued dressmaking, joined the CWA and bowling club, and maintained an extensive garden.
In 1983, they sold the farm and retired to Drouin.
After Fred’s death shortly after in 1984, Marie resumed bowling at Drouin and was a member of the club’s catering team. She caught the travel bug and toured Europe with a group of friends.
While fundraising for St Michael’s in Heyfield, Marie’s family interacted with the family of Kevin Kerr. Many years later, Marie met up with Kevin at the Drouin Bowling Club and developed a meaningful relationship.
Marie and Kevin married in 1994 at St Joseph’s Church in Warragul.
They embarked on a three-month world trip, continued playing bowls, and enjoyed gardening, playing the poker machines and travelling interstate for a few weeks each winter.
St
Patrick’s
They lived independently until Kevin accepted a place at Lyrebird Village in 2018 and Marie joined him in 2019.
Marie and Kevin also enjoyed regular visits to the Warragul Golf Club for a few hours and lunch.
Marie’s daughters Wendy and Gayle now live in Glen Iris and Cairns.
She also has two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.