A milestone shared with family

The Juniper St Davids team marked resident Dawn Pilgrim’s 100th birthday with a morning tea that brought together everyone close to her, family, staff, fellow residents and friends, to share in the milestone together.

Dawn has lived a rich and full life, one that began in Mt Lawley as the only child of a jeweller father and a mother who stayed home to raise her. She attended Mt Lawley Primary School before going on to Perth College, and left formal schooling at just 14 to study shorthand and typing at Scott’s Business College.

It was through her work at the Department of Agriculture that Dawn met Ronald, the man she would go on to marry in 1946. The pair welcomed two children, Marlene and Keith, who have since grown into a beautiful and loving extended family of their own.

For the past 15 years, Dawn has called Juniper St Davids home, cared for by a team who has become like family to her. Her family have remained just as devoted throughout that time, and following the celebration, her daughter Marlene wanted to make sure the team knew just how much the day had meant to them.

“We think that the preparation and management of Mum’s 100th Birthday celebration Morning Tea was superb,” Marlene said.

“Juniper St David’s reached out to include all of our family in the event, which made Mum’s day even more special and comfortable for her. The Residential Manager, Personal Care and Activities Assistant, Nurses, Chef, Chaplain, Support Carers and Admin workers, along with the attending residents, their care and professionalism were obvious. Mum and the family had a wonderful day thanks to Juniper St David’s.”

Juniper St Davids residential manager Rose Bonete said watching Dawn reach the milestone was a privilege.

“On a personal note, it is such a privilege to see Dawn celebrate her 100th birthday. What a beautiful milestone, a wonderful opportunity to honour not only the memories and experiences of a century of life, but also the remarkable person behind the number and the many people she has touched along the way,” Rose said.

“It is a privilege to be trusted with the care of someone’s loved one, and celebrations such as this remind us why we do what we do. Every resident has a story, and it is an honour to be part of that story.”