HammondCare celebrates another centenarian

Merle Simon has become the 29th HammondCare Home Care client to still be living independently at age 100 or more.

Merle celebrated her 100th birthday with a party on Thursday, 13 February, with friends from Hammond Care’s Ironbark Social Club, Hammondville. She continues to live in her own home at Raby with the assistance of the HammondCare Home Care team, who have provided support for her for more than 10 years. Merle remains sharp of mind and is still mobile, although a walker helps when she leaves the home.

HammondCare Home Care General Manager Marcella Carrasco said the care team led by Vicky Bourke were honoured to contribute to Merle’s life and celebrate her landmark birthday with her.

“Merle’s care team view it as a privilege to work with Merle to support her decision to live independently at her Raby home,” Carrasco said.

Born at Maryanne Street, Ultimo in 1925, Merle was the fifth of seven children. After finishing school at 14, Merle joined the staff at the Wonder Welts Shoes factory, Erskineville, producing men’s shoes. Over a period of 15 years she worked her way to a forelady position overseeing 100 staff. War memories include packing care packs in Arnott’s biscuit tins for her brother Allan serving in Europe.

Merle was staying with older brother Earl at Condell Park when she crossed paths with Noel Simon, a bachelor aircraft mechanic based at Bankstown Airport. The two married in 1975.

Noel died nine years ago from Alzheimer’s disease, and Merle nursed him to the end at home.

Image caption: Merle Simon celebrating her 100th birthday with nephew John Davis and Wendy Davis.