Living on a happy note

 

The entertainment and social calendar at aged care residence Mercy Place Rice Village is about to take its own holiday break which means some well-earned down time for one of its shining lights Joan Heckman.

Whether it’s Carols by Candlelight, Sunday mass or just a sing-along for residents, leading the way on the piano is invariably Joan.

But her enthusiasm and willingness to play is just one element of Joan’s story.

She was born blind and by the age of two was enrolled at what was the then Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind on Melbourne’s St Kilda Road. The Institute had just opened a nursery and the little toddler was the first female student.

“I was taught music at a very early age which helped fast-track my musical skills,” she said.

After completing high school, Joan went on to complete a Bachelor of Music at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music (University of Melbourne), majoring in piano and organ. This launched a richly rewarding career as a piano teacher for visually impaired children, notably at St Lucy’s School in Wahroonga, Sydney, which caters for students with disabilities.

“I loved teaching,” Joan says.

“Some of my students have done very well and made a career in music. But I was happy as long as they learned to just love and enjoy it – that’s what I was interested in.”

When the school gates closed at the end of the day, Joan would often be playing into the night at various social events in Sydney.

She also played the organ for Sunday Mass at St Brigid’s Catholic Church in Marrickville where there was a large Italian congregation.

“Playing for the Italians was lovely because I had a chance to learn their language and music,” Joan says. “They were so wonderful and kind to me and also introduced me to all sorts of good wine!”

In April 2018 Joan moved into Mercy Place Rice Village where she is closer to her sister Brenda who resides in one of the independent living units.

The pair regularly lunches together. They are incredibly close and a source of strength for each other. According to Rice Village staff their bond highlights the benefits of the proximity of the retirement units and aged care.

The residents love Joan’s participation and skills. “Joan’s music brings so much joy to other residents,” says Mercy Place Rice Village Pastoral Carer Geraldine Malady. When she plays the piano, everyone comes out of their rooms to gather around her. Joan’s playing is infectious – she lifts our spirits.”

Music has been a faithful companion throughout Joan’s life, providing a regular source of joy and an avenue for many wonderful friendships and experiences. Music, she says, has given her “a lot of happy things, a lot of wonderful experiences and much joy.”