Kangaroo Flat great-grandmother celebrates 104th birthday

Benetas Kangaroo Flat resident Monica “Bonnie” Fitzpatrick marked her 104th birthday, celebrating more than a century of memories and loved ones.

Born in Moonee Ponds on 8 October 1921, Monica spent her childhood in different parts of Victoria, first in the Mallee and then Shepparton before returning to Melbourne, finishing her schooling in Essendon.

Monica was one of 12 children born to Mary and Joseph Fitzpatrick, relishing time with her siblings Mary, Agnes, Claire, Theresa, Margaret, Annette, Francis, Veronica, Carmel, John and Peter.

One of her earlier memories was while in seventh grade in the Mallee, the school’s classes were held in the local town hall.

She distinctly recalls having to spend Monday morning with her peers, clearing tables filled with beer bottles and leftover food from parties held over the weekend.

After graduating, Monica held a range of jobs including telephonist, retail assistant and in post offices, the latter of which was where her parents worked.

She followed the family lead, handling letters and selling stamps for almost four decades while raising her family.

Monica met her husband and army serviceman Keith at a dance at Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building. Together they had five children, Barbara, Mark, Marisa, Loretta and John.

She now has six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Monica travelled and worked in a number of regional Victorians towns, living in 13 different houses before coming to Kangaroo Flat in 1983.