The joy of helping others : Evelyn Frangeskakis
Moran Kellyville resident , Evelyn Frangeskakis , dedicated many years to volunteering and found her own joy in helping others .
Evelyn , affectionately known as ‘ Frankie ’, worked as the first interpreter at St Vincent ’ s Hospital Melbourne . Her work made a meaningful impact on the lives of many and especially the hospital ’ s CALD patients ( those from countries where English was not the main language ).
Evelyn went on to volunteer at the hospital for over 20 years , enjoying giving her time to patients at Caritas Christi Hospice as well as St George ’ s Health Service . She had no medical background but found herself working in hospitals after seeing what her brother went through as a diabetic .
Her caring and nurturing nature led her to volunteer in palliative care .
“ I thoroughly enjoyed meeting new and interesting people . I loved conversing and playing scrabble with the patients . The craft activities and celebrating birthdays are always a highlight ” she said . Evelyn was born in Egypt to Greek parents . She loved Egypt , describing it as a fabulous and amazing place to grow up . When she was 20 she married Anthony , but five years later was forced to leave Egypt with the option of moving either to Greece or Australia .
Her sister was living in Australia so it was a natural choice and in 1955 Evelyn and Anthony arrived Down Under and went on to raise their own family , a son and a daughter . Today Evelyn has five grandchildren and two great grandchildren .
She is a naturally gifted communicator and speaks five languages ; Greek , Italian , French , Arabic and English - she says English was the hardest as it was the last language she learned .
Evelyn started volunteering because she wanted to do something to help others and ended up doing it for over 25 years . For anyone thinking about volunteering her advice is , “ just help where you can ; go out and make new friends and give your time to someone who needs it .” These days Evelyn likes to keep active and particularly enjoys the more physical games and activities offered at Moran Kellyville , including walking . She has many friends . including her daughter ’ s mother-in-law , Nola .
Moran Kellyville offers respite and permanent care in a modern homely environment .
To find out more about how you can join this friendly community , call 9881 4222 , visit the website www . morangroup . com . au or visit the Moran Aged Care Facebook page .
Evelyn ( L ) with her daughter ’ s mother-in-law and fellow Moran Kellyville resident , Nola .
For anyone thinking about volunteering , Evelyn ’ s advice is “ just help where you can ; go out and make new friends and give your time to someone who needs it .”
26 ISSUE 77 // NOVEMBER 2021 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT