Susanna Freymark
A newspaper article described Joan Wenzel as a woman who “made a career out of helping others.”
Joan was only 17 years old when her mother became ill.
As the third eldest of 13 children, she became the helper in the home. She had to bathe and care for her seven week old sister Anita. She became a full-time caregiver at their Grafton home.
That caregiving attitude continued into her adult life.
Joan was born in Grafton in 1931.
In 1962, Joan and her husband Col moved from Wooli to Evans Head.
They received the keys to the first Department of Housing home built in Evans Head.
The family lived in that house for 41 years until it was sold by the department.
The mango tree Col planted still stands tall in the backyard of 30 Mangrove Street.
Joan and Col had three children – Debbie, Lyn and Paul.
Joan loved to dress up especially if it was to raise funds for a worthwhile cause.
And Joan supported many good causes in Evans Head.
In 1992 the community was lobbying for a swimming pool. Joan led the fundraising charge.
She helped make 36,000 lamingtons with the rest of the pool committee.
In 2000, Joan was named Citizen of the Year. She had been a Brownie leader for eight years too. She was known as Tawny Owl to the local Brownie pack.
When Joan turned 50 she joined the Senior Citizens Club in Evans Head.
For 25 years she looked after the elderly. Long time residents have fond memories of Joan selling raffle tickets at the markets raising funds for the Golden Oldies.
Vale Joan Wenzel, 93 years. She will be missed by all including her eight grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren.