Brenda Magdalen Lalor
William James Lalor &
Annie Matilda Madden's granddaughter,Lloyd Patrick Lalor & Mary Veronica McCaffrey's third child & second born daughter...
Brenda’s
first job at age 15 was at McConnell’s Garage, Healesville, as an office clerk
and petrol dispenser. This was during the war, so employees were expected to do
any and all tasks required of them. Petrol rationing was in at the time
requiring the presentation of coupons and recording of same. Brenda worked at
McConnell’s from 1942 until 1948.
Brenda then began a nursing career at Fairfield Hospital for 12 months and then to Bendigo Base Hospital for 18 months and then back to Fairfield Hospital where she finished her “general nursing” on 20th August 1951. She went to Bendigo because she could enter into Midwifery immediately and finished that training in June 1952.
Following this she commenced “relieving” work with the Hospital and Charities Commission together with a good friend Yvonne HOLT. She worked at Yarra Junction Bush Nursing Hospital; Alexandra Hospital for 12 months; Rochester District Hospital; Yallourn, Warragul and Leongatha Hospitals.
She then returned to Bendigo Base Hospital to complete what was known as “Midwifery Staffing” training. This entailed the supervision and training of nurses undertaking midwifery and qualified for a higher income. After this qualification she worked at Elmore and Manangatang Hospitals. She returned and worked at the Healesville Bush Nursing Hospital until mum died in 1957. After mum died she worked at Lilydale Hospital for a short time.
Brenda nursed
in Nauru in 1958 on a 3 months contract. Then returned to Australia and worked
at the Nathalia Hospital before returning to Nauru for a further 3 months
contract with the phosphate company at the end of 1959.
She then returned to nursing in Victoria at the Nathalia District Hospital and then at the Diamond Valley Hospital for 4 years.
When dad became ill she went to the Lilydale Hospital for 18 months – 2 years; and then back to the Diamond Valley Hospital as a “Labour-ward Sister” and Supervisor until 1979. She then went to Healesville Hospital until 1981, wen she went on an overseas trip.
On her return she commenced nursing at the AfterCare Hospital in Victoria Parade, East Melbourne where she remained for 10 years until she retired.
She currently enjoys retirement at Healesville. Some of the activities since retirement have been with Probus Club and the Garden Club.
She is an ardent follower of Carlton in the AFL and was a member of the Carlton Football Club for many years attending games regularly.
She enjoys pruning roses for various members of the family.
Born in Healesville in 1927
 |
|
|
