Zdena’s Story
Zdena enjoyed a happy childhood in a small village in Czechoslovakia called, Kročehlavy (now swallowed by Kladno, a 20-minute drive from Prague). Her father encouraged her to continue ballet as part of her formal education via the “Gymnasium”, this was thought to be a path direct to University.
During WW2, the neighbouring village Lidice was razed and her high school was closed and used to ‘process’ the village occupants. Zdena became a secretary in the Steelworks at the age of appox.14.
Zdena embarked on an adventurous escape into Germany in 1948 with childhood sweetheart, Vladimir. They were processed in a German refugee asylum to Switzerland. He was fortunate to gain a scholarship for university studies and Zdena became a translator for the nascent United Nations in Geneva.
Their son Paul was born in 1949 and the young family arrived in Melbourne on Cup Day 1950, temporarily residing in Bonegilla. Refugees to Australia at that time had to repay passage by working in heavy industry or government employment. Zdena began work in a commercial bakery in Carlton, carrying heavy trays of lamingtons, vanilla slices and other delights to and from the ovens, preparation benches and cooling racks.
The family became Australian citizens at a naturalisation ceremony in Collingwood Town Hall in 1956, the year of the Melbourne Olympics.
They moved to Port Fairy in 1958, where Zdena developed a love of cats, gardening, and volunteering at Port Fairy Hospital – her dedication shaped in part by her husband’s diagnosis with a rare and aggressive form of Parkinson’s disease. When the family left Port Fairy 17 years later, she was honoured with Life Membership of the Hospital Auxiliary in recognition of her commitment and service.
A new home in Boronia, close to Glaxo-Allenbuury’s was purchased with the help of the company Vladimir worked for, situated close to his former manager. This was a significant mark of respect for the new “Orstralian” couple as they were known. Here Zdena found another passion, joining the local choir.
Zdena nursed her husband for 7 years, in his final two years, Vladimir was paralysed and unable to talk. The Red Cross organised a roster of people to lift him out of bed before breakfast into his wheelchair and into bed at night.
A month after he died, Zdena was so run down that she needed to go to the doctor. When crossing the road to the surgery, she was hit by a speeding car which flung her two metres high onto the road in its wake. There were at least half a dozen witnesses. Zdena, being made of stern stuff, was discharged with hairline fractures in her spine, multiple bruises but no other discernible injury. She refused to press charges against the driver, also named Vladimir. He was a single-family friend (who escaped Czechoslovakia in 68).
Vladimir (#2) became a supportive partner to Zdena and the two spent time travelling together. When Vladimir retired, they pooled their money and built their dream house in Yea, where Zdena’s gardening skills were challenged with landscaping on the steep property.
Unfortunately, Vladimir developed numerous serious health conditions linked to long-term smoking, including respiratory illness, cancer, diabetes, and vision loss. Zdena naturally stepped into a caregiving role, supporting him through the last ten years of his life. Vladimir spent his last year at The Lodge.
Around this time Zdena was adopted by her most special feline; Oscar, who lovingly, fearlessly, followed her everywhere – they shared many interesting experiences and adventures, garnering her the title of “Cat Lady”.
As time moved on Zdena decided the The Lodge was the place that was most suited to support her health and wellbeing needs. She says as a resident she felt valued and respected and her gardening knowledge was acknowledged when she was invited to provide input on the proposed kitchen garden planned for Karinya Nursing Home.
Zdena shares that while she is not as active as when she arrived at The Lodge nearly 12 years ago, she still feels very valued and love by everyone.
