Winifred Case

Winifred Violet Case was born at Orange NSW on the 11 January 1914 to Arthur and Ivy Case. She never married, devoting her life to the profession of nursing.  

Initially she trained in general nursing and then midwifery before undertaking the position of matron at Nepean District Hospital from its opening in 1956 until her retirement in 1973. She considered healing of both mind and body was essential and this led to her having a long association with the Order of St Luke. She had long felt the need for a place of quiet and tranquillity within the hospital, so when extensions to the hospital were made Miss Case was most supportive of the provision of a chapel within the hospital. Before the appointment of a medical superintendent, the multi-skilled matron was responsible not only for nursing matters but also for the admission of patients, drawing up the theatre list, and the dispensary. 

She remained close to her family and spoke of her parents with great affection and regard and was deeply aware of the heritage they had given her. In retirement she cared for her mother and sister in their illnesses. She kept in touch with many people, and enjoyed her friends and their families. Her interests were diverse – people, history, politics, love of nature, travelling, writing poetry, music and choral singing. 

Winifred Case died at Springwood Hospital on the 12 April 2002. A Thanksgiving Service was held at Nepean Hospital on the 17 August. She is buried at Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens – Nth Ryde.