Meet Margie – our very own Vegemite Kid

Margie was born in 1923 – the very same year that Vegemite was invented. At 98 years old, she credits a daily serve of this iconic spread, as well as a wholesome country upbringing, for her sprightly energy and positive outlook!

Margie was originally a city girl. She would spend school holidays at her grandmother’s farm at Pine Hill, not too far from Maryborough, and ended up moving to the property with her family after her grandmother passed away. It was then that the city girl became a country girl.

Margie had dreams of becoming a schoolteacher, but fate had other plans when a handsome young man called Ronnie came to do some work on the property. Margie and Ronnie’s courtship was interrupted by the war for four years, but they wrote letters to each other constantly and Margie kept herself busy by helping on the farm. A devoted Catholic, she would ride her beloved horse, David, 14 miles to attend Mass every Sunday.

Shortly after Ronnie returned from the war, the couple married and enjoyed a very happy life together raising their five children. Her dream of becoming a teacher was part realised as she home-schooled all of her children!

Sadly, Ronnie passed away last year aged 99, two days before what would have been their 75th wedding anniversary. A beautiful photo of the couple sits on top of the piano in the Grevillia House lounge room, and Margie will often reach out to this fondly, saying “My Ronnie”.

Margie feels right at home at Yaralla and loves her life in this country-style community.

“I’m so happy to be here. I don’t have to worry about a thing, and there’s lots to enjoy, especially dancing – I dance as often as I can! I love my daily walks and playing games and quizzes with my neighbours. I’m grateful for every single day here. Everyone is so good to me.”

Her former neighbour, Jan, also resides at Yaralla Place and they still enjoy a chat and a laugh – just like they used to over the back fence. And Margie of course still loves her vegemite on toast!

At PresCare Maryborough, we love celebrating the unique stories of residents like Margie and making sure they feel at home.