On Thursday I captured the wonderful Margaret. She was very excited to see all my vintage lounges in the greenhouse as they reminded her of the furniture she'd had in her own home before moving to Lake Macquarie.
She was also kind enough to be my model whilst the Newcastle Herald were here catching some images of me as I worked,
Margaret Elizabeth Jenkins (nee Kingwell) nearly 89 years young was born on 24 May 1937 in Penrith to parents Eva Linda Kingwell and Henry Paige Kingwell. Margaret was an only child.
Her home for the first 21 years of her life was on Weir Road, Penrith. The property was an orchard growing oranges, mandarins, peaches, apricots, nectarines, and plums. They also kept some livestock, and this was where her father worked.
Margaret’s mother, Eva, was born in Stanmore. Eva’s mother died shortly after her birth, and Eva later moved to Penrith to live with her mother’s sister, Elizabeth, and her brother, Henry Lucas. Margaret referred to Aunty Lizzie and Uncle Henry as her grandparents, as she spent much of her childhood with them. Eva’s father moved to New Zealand, and Margaret has relatives there with whom she still keeps in contact.
Margaret’s father, Henry, was born in England. He attended Saint Paul’s School in London and then left to attend an army training course, although he was too young to participate in active service. He later worked for the Eastern Telegraph Company laying cables in Gibraltar in Spain. He eventually moved to Australia, arriving in Perth, where he and a friend were given a plot of land to grow wheat. Sadly, after a year or two, his friend left with all of his earnings. Margaret’s father often told her the story of walking across the Nullarbor from Perth to St Marys in New South Wales, where he eventually settled, carrying only a chest set, photographs from Gibraltar and a few personal belongings.
After Henry and Eva were married, Aunty Lizzie and Uncle Henry gifted them a 14-acre property on Weir Road with views of the Nepean River. This property, along with Aunty Lizzie and Uncle Henry’s orchard, produced fruit that was packed and sent to Sydney markets for sale.
Margaret grew up playing tennis and baseball and was a member of the school choir. She trained at Business College in Sydney and graduated as a stenographer in 1954. She worked in a solicitor’s office and later as a private secretary at the Hoyts Cinema head office in Sydney, where she worked until 1960.
Margaret met her husband, Warren Joseph Jenkins, while playing tennis and through the Penrith church, where they were both members of the choir. They became engaged in 1957. Sadly, Margaret’s father passed away in early 1958. Margaret and Warren were married on 23 August 1958 at the Penrith Methodist Church. As a wedding present, they were given a plot of land on Aunty Lizzie and Uncle Henry’s orchard, where they built their first home. Warren had a MG TF called ‘inky’ which they enjoyed adventures in till it had to be sold to pay for their wedding!
Warren trained as a teacher and later completed a Bachelor of Arts. He studied psychology through Armidale University and worked at several high schools. He later moved into school counselling and was eventually promoted to District Guidance Officer for the Windsor District, where he was responsible for a large team of counsellors. During this time, Warren also taught two nights a week at Emu Plains Training Farm prison, helping inmates learn to read and write.
Margaret’s mother also built a home on the same property, so Margaret was surrounded by her mother and great-aunt as she entered the next stage of her life — motherhood. Margaret and Warren had three sons.
Margaret thrived in motherhood, doting on her three sons and taking them to cricket, soccer, and church. Margaret and Warren were active members of the Emu Plains Uniting Church, as were her mother and aunt. Margaret’s great-uncle’s family Henry Lucas, founded the church. The church building still stands today, although it no longer has a congregation. The Lucas family has recently been honoured with the naming of a wing, Lucas Lodge, at a new residential aged care facility next to the church.
Margaret visited Salisbury, England, as well as Scotland and Holland, with her mother in 1975. In 1982, she and Warren travelled to England and Hong Kong, where they met lifelong friends. The Jenkins family enjoyed many holidays together, especially at the beach.
Margaret loved cooking and hosting family and friends. Their property had a large swimming pool, and she was well known for her Neenish tarts. One orange tree remained on Margaret’s property, from which she loved making marmalade. The tree was estimated to be around 70 years old. Margaret continued playing tennis, although her main role was managing the household.
Sadly, Warren passed away at the age of 54 due to coronary artery disease and lymphocytic lymphoma, complicated by pneumonia. Margaret misses Warren to this day.
Margaret has eight grandchildren. She loved playing with them and built a cubby house in her backyard, hosting many tea parties.
Margaret joined Probus and enjoyed many overseas and domestic holidays, travelling to China, America, Canada, Queensland, Italy, Switzerland, Adelaide, Lord Howe Island, France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and visiting family in New Zealand.
Margaret was recognised for 50 years of service to the musical ministry at Emu Plains Uniting Church, where she played the organ most Sundays and also served as treasurer.
Margaret is an avid crafter, and there was little she could not do. Although she is no longer able to continue, she once enjoyed long-stitch tapestries, paper tole, knitting, and making cards with rubber stamps. She has created many scrapbooks for her children and grandchildren, highlighting their achievements.
Margaret beams with pride when she speaks about the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. She misses her husband dearly and often talks of him.
Margaret moved into her Emu Plains home in 1960 and remained there until 2025, when she relocated to Lake Macquarie to be closer to some of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Margaret says that her great-grandchildren have brought her back to life and now she spends her days doing anything to make them smile.
