Eila Pratley celebrated her 90th birthday with family in Queensland last week and on her actual birthday October 12, she celebrated with 15 friends at Baan Baa Hotel.
Mrs Pratley was born in Bondi and did most of her schooling at Bondi Public School.
After school she worked in several office jobs prior to becoming a governess for Barry and Kay McKenzie.
Barry and Kay were the children of Jessie and Harold McKenzie at ‘Melrose’ Boggabri.
Boggabri and Bondi didn’t have much in common but Boggabri became her home as Bill Pratley won her heart.
Mr and Mrs Pratley were married in Bellevue Hill on September 20, 1952 and made their home in Boggabri.
The Pratleys had three children – Jill who arrived in 1954, followed by Heather in 1957 and Mark in 1960.
Mr Pratley passed away on November 6, 1993.
Mrs Pratley’s family has expanded to nine grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren.
Mrs Pratley supported the Boggabri Parents and Citizens Association and the swimming club while her children were young.
She also taught sewing at Boggabri Public School and swimming with the Department of Sport and Recreation.
Other community interests have included Boggabri Home and Community Care, Boggabri Hospital Board, tennis and golf and she is a current member of the Boggabri Hospital Auxiliary and loves reading and doing patchwork.
Elsie Jensen was among those present at the lunch on Saturday and was the first person that Mrs Pratley met when she came to Boggabri.
Mrs Pratley enjoys the company and friendship of many people from various age groups within the Boggabri community.
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