Viva Rodwell (nee Sherry) singer on Radio in Queensland before marring Jeffrey
I would like to introduce Helen (Viva) Rodwell, one of our residents here at Minnamurra.
The daughter of Nell Cooper and Vivian Sherry, born on the 27th January 1920
Minnamurra is almost 6 years old now and Viva was one of the first resident’s to accommodate a room here.
Living in Brisbane where she grew up, was the start of a long and varied career, teaching and music. Viva met her husband Jeffery Rodwell on Southport Beach Christmas 1941.
They were married in 1942, and then went on to have four children, Joanne, Helen, Brian and Jeffery.
I had trained as a teacher when I was a teenager, but the Queensland Education Department did not allow married women to teach, at that time.
After the war Viva re-joined the Department of Education and taught at High Schools.
Viva was teaching at a non- Brisbane high school, when she decided to offer a non- compulsory lunchtime course for girls.
It was called ‘The Gracious Living Course’, which included, good grooming, hygiene, diet, floral art, skin care, make-up, hair care, manicure, social etiquette, music appreciation, and cultural activities, which included visits to the theatre, which turned out to be a great success.
Viva was able to meet Joan Sutherland and many others during her years and a member of the ‘Opera Auditions Committee’.
Viva moved from Brisbane to Sydney in 1976.
Viva has been a very artistic individual, and especially excelled in embroidery art work.
Viva’s triptych, adorns a hall at Minnamurra. (Triptych means: Three views of one item.)
The triptych at Minnamurra is three views of Iron Cove as seen from the facility, with Rodd Island as the centre point – undoubtabley a beauty spot.
www.pacnsw.org.au/article/minnamurra-resident-story
Viva Rodwell (nee Sherry) singer on Radio in Queensland before marring Jeffrey
I would like to introduce Helen (Viva) Rodwell, one of our residents here at Minnamurra.
The daughter of Nell Cooper and Vivian Sherry, born on the 27th January 1920
Minnamurra is almost 6 years old now and Viva was one of the first resident’s to accommodate a room here.
Living in Brisbane where she grew up, was the start of a long and varied career, teaching and music. Viva met her husband Jeffery Rodwell on Southport Beach Christmas 1941.
They were married in 1942, and then went on to have four children, Joanne, Helen, Brian and Jeffery.
I had trained as a teacher when I was a teenager, but the Queensland Education Department did not allow married women to teach, at that time.
After the war Viva re-joined the Department of Education and taught at High Schools.
Viva was teaching at a non- Brisbane high school, when she decided to offer a non- compulsory lunchtime course for girls.
It was called ‘The Gracious Living Course’, which included, good grooming, hygiene, diet, floral art, skin care, make-up, hair care, manicure, social etiquette, music appreciation, and cultural activities, which included visits to the theatre, which turned out to be a great success.
Viva was able to meet Joan Sutherland and many others during her years and a member of the ‘Opera Auditions Committee’.
Viva moved from Brisbane to Sydney in 1976.
Viva has been a very artistic individual, and especially excelled in embroidery art work.
Viva’s triptych, adorns a hall at Minnamurra. (Triptych means: Three views of one item.)
The triptych at Minnamurra is three views of Iron Cove as seen from the facility, with Rodd Island as the centre point – undoubtabley a beauty spot.
www.pacnsw.org.au/article/minnamurra-resident-story