Her children's playgroup had a program at RFBI Moonbi Masonic Village, and every now and then Ms O'Shea would visit Mrs Montgomery to read to her and take her for walks around the garden.

An unbelievable 35 years later, the registered nurse and proud Lions Club member has climbed the ranks to general manager of the residential aged-care home.

"One day they were really stuck for staff, I had been a carer and they asked if I was interested in working a shift for them because they didn't have many staff; so that's how it all started," she said.

"I always thought the elderly pave the way for us, so we're just paying them back and helping make sure they have a good quality of life.

"The staff and the management, it's really one big family; they really look after us, they're fabulous to work for and they treat us like family."

Staff, friends, family, residents and even Ms O'Shea's first manager Mrs Joyce Rae visited the home on Wednesday for a special surprise.

Read also:

RFBI regional manager Toni Giles described Ms O'Shea as a dedicated, loyal, well-respected, kind-hearted, compassionate and genuine individual who "says it as it is" and only wants the best for others.

"35 years later we are here today to celebrate, honour and acknowledge the esteemed service of Debbie O'Shea, or Deb as she is affectionately known to us all," she said.

"People who are deeply admired like you are very few, we know that after the past 35 years of service you have selflessly given to RFBI, helped countless others and touched the lives of many."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: