KEMPSEY has recently welcomed another Centenarian after Kate (Kit) Wickham hit the significant 100-year milestone on September 20.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Born in Kempsey on September 20 1921, she was the youngest twin sister to Gwen Judd and sibling to younger brother Alleyne Ibbotson.
At the age of 16, Kit got a job at Kinchela post office and met her future husband, Frank Wickham, who delivered mail around the area.
In 1942, Kit and Frank married, and spent the next 18 years at Kinchela, before moving to Kempsey in 1961.
Kit spent the next 12 years working in the Barsby's Department Store showroom, but she also did alterations on clothing, and made curtains for the business.
She became an accomplished dressmaker, and created many wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses and other ladies clothing.
After over a decade at Barsby's, Kit got a new role at the Kempsey Medical Centre where she worked in administration for ten years.
When not working, Kit spent a lot of her time in her vegetable and flower gardens, and also cooking for her family and community causes.
In 1991 she became a founding board member of the Macleay Senior Citizens Home Inc, known as Cedar Place ACF.
As a board member, she worked continuously to see the construction of Cedar Place ACF through fundraising.
The facility later opened in November 1991.
She was also an active member of the Uniting Church, the Civil Widows Association, Uniting Church Women's Fellowship, and delivered meals on wheels around the Macleay for many years.
In 1997, Kit was awarded the NSW Seniors Week Premier's Award in recognition of her service to the community.
In 1998, she was made a life member of Macleay Senior Citizens Home INC for her dedicated fundraising efforts during the construction of Cedar Place.
After 37 years living in Tozer Street Kempsey, she moved into Cedar Place at the age of 98 years of age, where she has remained ever since.
Through her two children, Darrell and Jennifer, she now has four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Also making the news:
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark our website
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @macleayargus
- Follow us on Instagram: @macleayargus