Our Own Florence Nightingale - Airdrie Desolie Petersen nee Kelf 1925 to 2022

Airdrie Desolie Kelf

My Aunt, Airdrie Desolie Petersen nee Kelf 1925 to 2022 was born in Sydney. She was the daughter of Julia Nellie Gadsby and Frank Leonard Kelf. Her mother‘s parents Thomas and Selena Gadsby had brought Julia to Australia from London in 1912 and Frank had immigrated from Norfolk England in 1914. Julie and Frank married after the war. Airdrie’s aunts, uncles and cousins were numerous and the Gadsby family were constant visitors to the home at first in Undercliff and then other parts of the Eastern Suburbs.

What was happening in 1925? F Scott Fitzgerald published The Great Gatsby in 1925 depicting a magical time of flapper fashion and soirees. John Logie Baird successfully transmitted the first television pictures with a grey scale image and film stars Paul Newman, Tony Curtis, Richard Burton were born as were Robert Kennedy and Aussie Ruth Cracknell.

Airdrie and Frank Jnr c 1926

Airdrie had an older brother, Frank Trevor born 1923 and 10 years later in 1935 younger sister Marlene Jewel Kelf was born. At a very young age she suffered from Scarlet Fever and was doing poorly until her Grandmother Selina came to visit bearing a little watch with a white watch band. Airdrie still remembered that watch in her 90s and needless to say her recovery was speedy after receiving the cherished gift.

A favourite past time

In her teens Airdrie loved  horse riding in Centennial Park, ice skating and swimming at various Eastern Suburbs locations such as Clifton Gardens, Nielsen Park and  Bondi Beach.  

Iceskating with Daphne and Dora

At the beach 1940s

On what they call “Black Sunday” Airdrie was at Bondi Beach. That day tragedy struck by way of powerful  tidal waves thundering towards the beach sucking hundreds of swimmers out to sea. Airdrie was 13 at the time. That day there were tens of thousands of people cooling off on a 40° summer day. It was 6 February 1938. Hundreds of people were rescued and five people died after the biggest mass rescue in the history of surf lifesaving in New South Wales.

When she left school, she went into nursing training, graduating after her nursing examinations in October 1946.  She was a nursing sister at Crown Street Women’s Hospital and War Memorial Hospital. Two eminent Sydney hospitals.

Early nursing days

It was at Crown St that she met Dr Catherine Hamlin and her husband  Dr Reginald Hamlin. The doctors, specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology at Crown Street were a hard-working and popular couple. Later they went to Ethiopia where their skills were very much in demand.  They were able to create long lasting change to the women of this Third World country. They were well recognised for their work with repairing labour induced fistulas which if left untreated resulted in women having severe incontinence and poor  life outcomes. Airdrie had always supported the work of her friends through their incredible efforts to build facilities and train staff. Airdrie still followed their work in her final days and was a frequent supporter.

Dr Catherine Hamlin

I remember Auntie Airdrie saying she missed what was going on in the family when she was away doing nursing training. I thought she must have gone to train in the country but she said “No, I trained in Auburn” -24 km away miles away.  In those days it must have felt like the country. It’s not even the centre of Sydney today.

After a few years’ experience, Airdrie was set to travel to England to further her nursing experience. However, at the same time her mother became ill with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Airdrie decided to stay home and nurse her mother until she died in 1954. So, England was put on hold.

Airdrie, Frank Snr and Marlene at Frank's wedding

Mother Julia before her death

She was bridesmaid to her sister-in-law Betty Kelf nee Carroll in 1949 and was bridesmaid at cousin Betty Wright and Ray Shortell’s wedding in 1946.  Finally, she was bridesmaid for sister Marlene in 1955.

At Marlene's wedding with Airdrie

At the time the Kelf family lived in an apartment block in Woollahra, 318 Edgecliff Road.  About the same time – a fellow called Frederick Peterson also known as Bryce had recently become divorced. He lived in the unit block next door, 320 Edgecliff Road and  frequently socialised with people in Airdrie‘s own apartment block.  Airdrie fell in love with Bryce and he married her in 1956. Airdrie moved into her marital home which had belonged to Bryce. She remained there for the rest of her days until she needed the services of a  nursing home in her nineties.

Next door in a block of units at 318 her sister Marlene who had married in 1955 had given birth to  her first two children. As a young and inexperienced mother who hated the site of blood how handy to have your very own midwife and nurse next door. My mother was grateful that Airdrie was always available when one of us had a mishap. I remembered one day my brother Paul fell out of the cot. Dad was working away from home Airdrie was there to advise when it was discovered he had knocked out his front tooth.

Airdrie, Julie and Bryce at Julie's Chrstening 1959

A little while later Airdrie had her own child Julie Louise, born in May 1959. Julie was the apple of her eye and being an only child, she developed interests similar to her mother- the arts and ballet.  Airdrie and Julie travelled many times to Bryce’s relatives in Malden in  Victoria. They kept in contact well after his death especially tracing the Petersen family history. 

 

Airdrie was a keen dressmaker and crafter. I recall the clown she made me when long legged bed clowns were all the rage. He had purple striped pants and raffia hair. Later she took up Stained Glass making. After we moved away Airdrie,   Bryce and Julie would with meet up with us in Centennial Park or Nielsen Park for a swim or picnic.  Sometimes it was Sunday afternoon tea enjoyed after a drive to Carlingford.  

The Kerrs visiting at Edgecliff Rd

Airdrie and Julie (R) with the Kerr cousins Christmas Neilson Park

Sadly in 1972, Bryce was  killed in a car accident while driving to golf in his beloved Peugeot.Widowed with a young daughter Airdrie returned to her calling as a nurse to support herself and Julie.  Recently the New South Wales Government had introduced a community nursing service to people at home. Ideal hours for a single mum with a child and a supplied car was a real bonus.

Out with the workmates

Airdrie did a Postgraduate Course in Geriatric Nursing in 1975 at the Repatriation General Hospital.  Her appointment was confirmed by the Health Commission of New South Wales in March 1977. She enjoyed her job until her retirement. At a family reunion in 2012, Carolynne, the daughter of one of Airdrie‘s cousins reminded us that she was influenced to become a nurse because of the toy nursing kit Airdrie had given her as a young child.

Airdrie's Graduation class at Concord

Also, Airdrie and Julie enjoyed weekends with her ex sister-in-law Betty and nieces Jillian and Airdrie at Watsons Bay. The girls were a bit older than Julie so I am sure they spoilt her.

Dinner at Doyles

Airdrie and Matthew

About the time of her retirement Airdrie met  a fellow called Matthew who she kept company with and finally made that trip to England with him.  They continued to spend time together until she ended up in the nursing home at age 91.  Sadly, Matthew’s health deteriorated and Covid separated them. It was lovely to see their eyes light up whenever they were together. Matthew travelled to the nursing home often to have lunch with Airdrie.  Eventually operating from regular telephone became too onerous and occasionally I managed to connect them via devices which I brought to the hospital. Because neither of them could work an iPhone or an iPad to FaceTime they snatched a few phone calls via the Nurses station.

 

The  nieces and nephews at a family reunion in 2012 

Chris, Airdrie, Julie, Robyn, Helen, Paul Missing Jillian

So good to have a nursing sister in the family. Once again her nursing skills were are called upon when  my Grand pop, her  father recuperated  at her place  after a Bowel operation in the late 70s. Again Airdrie had just retired in 1992 when her sister Marlene was seriously ill with cancer. Regularly Airdrie came to Marlene’s house to tend to her needs until she died 10 weeks later. We very much appreciated that in our time of need.

A doting Mum, she dedicated her life to the apple of her eye. They bonded over the arts, gardening, and cats. When Julie finished school she went to study teaching and communication. She worked across a number of fields including teaching, filmmaking, curating at Norman Lindsay Gallery and National trust and  organising exhibitions at Mosman Art Gallery.  

Airdrie at Julie's Graduation

Airdrie had a small gathering for her 90th birthday. Julie and Michael hosted at Julie's Paddington terrace and Matthew, Wendy, Chris and Robyn attended.

Cousin Wendy at Airdrie's 90th

Airdrie and Chris  Kelf

Julie then drew on her dancing background.  She trained as a dance therapy teacher.  Julie struggled with seeing her mother get old and suffer ageing diseases. She saw how beneficial it was for older people and saw it as a way of working in and improving life for the aged. Before she could get really established she was cruelly cut down with an aggressive cancer and Julie passed away at age 59.

After a knee replacement in her late 80s and respite care, stairs in Julie’s Paddington residence and her Woollahra apartment it became problematic. It became dangerous for Airdrie to live at home.

A nursing home placement was sought.  Julie moved her mother into a place called St Brigid’s  Green at Maroubra.

In late 2018 Julie rang me to say she had terminal cancer and that Plan B was going into place. I was to pick up as Airdrie’s executor and I had to take the baton with regards to Enduring Guardianship and Power of Attorney. The New South Wales Administrative Tribunal transferred Julie‘s Power-of-Attorney and Enduring Guardianship to me after  she died in early 2019.

Julie Louise Petersen

Matthew continued to visit Airdrie at St Brigid’s until his ill-health stopped him. In fact it was Matthew who was carried out of the Nursing Home on a stretcher after he fainted while visiting Airdrie one day.  Wendy  her cousin, arrived for a  visit, saw a man with a big pair of shoes lying on Airdrie’s bed. There were a lot of panicked people Thinking the worst she saw Airdrie sitting there quietly observing their nursing practices and scoring them on their effort! It was Airdrie from her chair who was suggesting to keep him warm with a foot blanket.  

Upon making the decision to move to the home Julie had had to sell up their family home and dispose of possessions that Airdrie would not need in the nursing home.  I was thrilled to get Airdrie‘s sturdy sewing machine for a lovely African refugee and a couple of cherished items. My cousin Chris got the dresser which was made for my grandmother by my grandfather and I got the chairs  which are mixed bunch and in much need of repair.

After  moving in to the nursing home at age 91, Airdrie remained there under the care of their lovely staff, throughout covid and lockdowns. Covid made it difficult to travel to St Brigid’s and even as late as pre-Christmas in 2022 we were being asked to consider our need to visit in order maintain all precautions to prevent the frail residents from catching Covid. She remained until a month before she would’ve turned 98. She ended up being a long-term resident!!

At St Brigid's

From the time of her daughter’s death Airdrie’s cognitive ability diminished although she continued to watch television and read the SMH each day.  She enjoyed art therapy and animal therapy and the delicious food especially the icecream.  Once she needed a wheelchair she ceased the outings. The littlies of the extended families sent her letter, postcards and drawings to display in her room , Wendy sent letters and I wrote family stories for her. My last face-to-face visit with Airdrie was more successful than some  previously. Occasionally local school children visited with pot plants and cards.  

My last physical visit was more successful than most. I had got to see an “awake” almost talkative Airdrie and even a smile.  Interestingly Airdrie loved the zoom technology and my last visit to her was a virtual one on the Friday before she died as I had Covid and could not visit. Because of the  Covid I wasn’t able to visit her for her last hours for risk of infecting everyone. Thankfully the staff at St Brigit’s took care of her and kept me and the family informed.

Sadly, within hours of Airdrie‘s death on 20th December 1922,  I found out that Matthew had passed away  some time in 2021 and weeks later I found that her niece and namesake Airdrie had passed away in 2021 also. Airdrie is survived by her cousins Betty, also 98 and devoted cousin Wendy who  wrote to her all through Covid and snuck in chocolates for years before that. Wendy reminded  everyone of Airdrie‘s good advice to her geriatric patients – eat a banana every day.

Those who remember  her are her  extended Gadsby, Kelf, Kerr and Peterson family, especially her two nephews Paul and Chris, two nieces Robyn and Helen and her daughter‘s partner Michael.

A private cremation was held  and  the extended family and friends mourned her by lighting candles all over New South Wales Queensland and Victoria at the time of the cremation. Airdrie you will be remembered for your kindness and professionalism.  Fly high to  join Julie, Bryce and Matthew and  Rest In Peace lovely lady.  

Music and candle with the Currans at Orange

Memorial on Cremation day- Alstonville

Rip Airdrie, Julie and Matthew- Memorial Kanahooka

I bet she’s having a cup of tea  and a long earned catchup with her friends Marge Morton, Elsa Cohen, Catherine Hamlin, her siblings, cousins and her parents.

Airdrie and neighbour Elsa Cohen

Marge Morten, Airdrie and Betty Wright

If you would like to donate to Catherine Hamlin’s Fistula Foundation go here https://hamlin.org.au/ or buy a scarf or artisan gift supporting local craftspeople and women in Ethiopia https://store.hamlin.org.au/

 

Airdrie  in her Rehab Office  "Eat a banana a day"