Monica overwhelmed to reach elite club
“It’s sort of overwhelming I think. It’s hard to believe. I don’t know how to put it, it is exciting,” said Warragul resident Monica Carse on joining the elite centenarian club on Thursday.
Chatting ahead of a special afternoon tea, Monica added “there is something about it, it’s a bit mysterious”.
Despite labelling herself the “weak link of the family” due to a fever affecting her heart as a child, Monica reflects “I’ve done pretty well.”
Her secret to longevity is “keep busy all the time, always have something to do”. A wide range of hobbies such as sewing, embroidery, gardening and cooking – including wedding cakes - is testament to that.
Another key may be in her name. Monica Ernestine Clare Carse is named after her uncle Ern who fought at Gallipoli in World War I and who returned home before succumbing to injuries complicated by a flu plague.
Monica was born at St Basil’s Hospital in Northcote in 1919 to Patrick and Elenore Mary Baker. She lived on the family farm at Bronzewing. Aiming to become a nurse, she stayed with an aunt to attend Eltham Higher Elementary School. Whilst she achieved her certificate, a career in dressmaking and bookkeeping followed.
Monica met her husband Tom Carse and they married in December 1944. After serving overseas in the war, Tom returned to the Curriculum and Research Branch before applying for the job as a district inspector of schools based at Warragul in 1958.
The family of six children together with two elderly aunts moved to Warragul in 1960 and Monica recalls loving the green paddocks and the newly introduced market held near the showgrounds.
Used to a busy lifestyle, she says “it took me a long time to feel settled here”.
Monica assisted Marist Sion move to Burke St to become co-educational, was mothers’ club president and a driving force behind a tuck shop being established.
When her children moved to Warragul High School, she assisted tuck shop organiser Mrs Madill.
Monica is proud of the achievements of her six children. Their occupations include paediatrician, two engineers, working with Department of Home Affairs, primary teacher and systems analyst. She also has nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
She now lives at Abbey Gardens in Warragul.