A Century in the Making: Veronica McKee turns 100.
Veronica McKee said “It was that Donald who told you wasn’t it? He’s so proud of me”. Donald is Veronica’s youngest son. “I wrote down some memories” said Veronica when I went to interview her at Carter Court.
I mentioned Donald said she was almost born in a motor bike side car between Eastbourne and Hutt Hospital and she remarked, a twinkle in her eye, “I don’t usually do as I’m told”. Part of her childhood was spent in Hastings, and she distinctly remembers being shaken by earthquakes, “frightening”.
Veronica trained as a Karitane Nurse in Wellington. On New Years Eve, she would join the revellers at the Sound Shell in the Botanical Gardens “that’s where I met Bill. We married and then we went to live in Stokes Valley. We had six children, 5 boys and 1 girl; John, William, Linda, Andrew, Ian and Donald. All the children went to local primary schools and Taita College”. She is in touch with all her sons and is pragmatic about having little contact with her daughter, “families are strange, aren’t they?”
In 1974, Veronica and Bill bought a delipidated house on Dublin Street. They spent all their weekends renovating their home before moving to Martinborough permanently in 1982. “I just loved Martinborough. I thought it was stunning, so friendly. Harry Kershaw was the most gentlemanly man. He always talked to us mothers while stacking groceries, he was on his own you see. His son, who took over the business was the same; could always find time to talk to you. It made such a difference to us Mum’s who often saw nobody unless they went to the grocer”.
Veronica joined in community activities; “I loved the Country Women’s Institute, my painting group and playing bowls.” One of Veronica’s paintings hangs outside her room and depicts an attractive cluster of hydrangeas. “I read too. I encouraged all my children to read. I really like Australian novels; they are such good writers. I like rugby but not the All Blacks. I don’t know why. I watch all the other teams on TV. Bill and my sons played rugby, and I used to help St John’s in the injury room.” Bill passed away four years ago and is buried in the Martinborough Cemetery.
What is the secret of Veronica’s longevity? “My sons have kept me alive. Always made me feel on top of the world. If you don’t spoil them, they turn into nice men. I love a cup of tea, always lifts you up. I have never smoked but I do enjoy a glass of white wine”.
Veronica moved from her Martinborough home when she was 99 to Carter Court, “I love it here. My granddaughter took me to buy some new clothes to wear on my birthday. I am looking forward to celebrating with my family”.
