On International Women's Day each year, the Resthaven Marion lifestyle team interview inspiring women from their resident community. This year, Mrs Betty Mangnoson and Mrs Mia Juffermans shared their stories.
Mrs Betty Mangnoson
Betty was born in Bendigo, the eldest of five siblings. Her mother was English, and her father an Indigenous man originally from the Coorong. He worked on the railways, so the family lived in lots of different places in South Australia for his work.
Betty worked for the Salvation Army Young Women's Hostel for 20 years, during which time she had four sons, Robin, Peter, Herbie and David.
After leaving the hostel, Betty became a housekeeper for Mr Ian Mangnoson and his seven children. They later married and became one big blended family. Betty now has seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren to add to her family.
Betty has an extensive knowledge of her Indigenous background and culture, and is always happy to share her stories.
Mrs Mia Juffermans
Mia was born in Yugoslavia, where her family owned a distillery. When she was 10 years old, the family were driven out of their house by German Allies, and they travelled to Austria, where they lived as refugees.
There, Mia met her husband, Siggy, and they married when she was 18. They later moved to Australia and had two daughters, Ursula and Jutta. They now also have a grandson, Shane.
Mia worked for Mr Harold Lightburn, who owned Whirlpool, and she starred in a number of magazine and television adverts for washing machines and sports cars.
Mia and her husband were ballroom dancers, and won many competitions. They regularly danced at the German Club, and Mia still has many of her beautiful costumes.
In later life, they owned a music shop. Famous musicians would often come in to the store.
Thank you to Betty and Mia for sharing their stories.
