Individual Details
Zena Harriet WHELAN 🧬
(16 Nov 1920 - 15 Jul 2009)
Zena was born in Longreach on 16 November 1920. Towards the end of 1921 the family moved to Brisbane.
Zena says:
I started school in 1927 at the Toowong State School. Secondary School in 1935 saw me a pupil at Brisbane Girl's Grammar School.
In 1936 I studied at Business College and started work in 1937 at The Exide Battery Co. as a Typist - Invoice Clerk. Early 1946 I left to be married.
During the years between 1934 and 1946 I spent my leisure time with the Youth Group at the Toowong Methodist Church as well as being a singer with the Church Choir and teaching Sunday School.
Holidays were spent at my parents seaside cottage "Zevonsa" at Southport and also at Bill's parents home in Gladstone.
Bill and I lived at Oliver St, Kedron for seven years before moving to our present home in Toowong in 1953.
We, with our children and later our 11 grandchildren have seen the years slip happily away. Bill and I have always been really blessed, surrounded by loving, caring and thoughtful relatives and friends.
from David Tomkins' website
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eulogy for Zena Tomkins (1920-2009)
Thank you to everyone for being here to celebrate the life of my mother Zena Tomkins.
Mum made the preparation of this eulogy a relatively easy matter by recording about 10 pages of information about her life for the Toowong Historical Society. It was more a matter of what to leave out rather that what to say. The delivery of the eulogy, however, may be a different matter.
Zena Whelan (my mother) was born in Longreach on 16 November 1920. Her father Ted and mother Bram Weston met at Marathona Station, outside Longreach, where he was working as a cabinet maker and carpenter and she as an assistant to the lady of the house. When mum was 10 months old, the family moved to Brisbane.
They purchased land in Grove Crescent, Toowong and her father built the family home there. Ted and Bram raised their family of four children in this house. They had three girls, Zena, Vyonne, and Sadie, and then a son, Ed. They were very caring and very loving parents.
She started her schooling at the Catholic Convent school across the road for one year in 1927, and then moved to the Toowong State School. When there was a whooping cough epidemic mum’s brother Ed became so ill he had to have injections. Her parents decided to build quickly on a block of land they had at Labrador (north of Southport) and take the children there for a holiday. They ended up staying 12 months and Zena went to school in Southport. The family spent every school holiday there after that, and would often stay an extra week prompting a teacher at Toowong State School to say, “Here come the tourists”.
Zena was about ten years old when the Depression hit. She said, “...it was very difficult because there was very little money - which meant very little money for food and clothing. Being children, you didn't realize you were going without. Her father lost his job, and rather than work on the roads, he joined his brother-in-law, Lad Collin at William Collin and Sons who were sand and gravel merchants in the city. Life was still a challenge for the family, which taught mum to be a hoarder and recycler of almost everything. Despite the hardships, mum’s parents wanted the best for their children.
In 1935 Zena became a pupil at Brisbane Girl's Grammar School. She wasn’t really happy there, so after a year she changed to State Commercial High for a year.
She briefly studied at Stotts’ Business College and then started work in 1937 at The Exide Battery Co. as a Typist - Invoice Clerk. She started on 17/6d per week (that’s $1.75 per week) and left nine years later on £4 10s per week (that’s $9 per week). After a while Zena was offered a raise which paid more than the telephone switchboard operator who wasn’t very happy because she thought she was more knowledgeable than mum.
When the Second World War started, Zena was excused from joining the Services because her job was considered an “essential service”. The business was very close to the Brisbane River, and they sometimes had to respond to air raid warnings and go downstairs to shelter. On one of those occasions, a Japanese submarine was sighted in the river at the end of Wharf Street. Early in 1946 she left work to be married.
During the years between 1934 and 1946 Zena spent most of her leisure time with the Youth Group at the Toowong Methodist Church, as well as being a singer with the Church Choir and teaching Sunday School. She enjoyed playing tennis and spending time at the beach. In 1942, mum learnt steel guitar and had many happy meetings with a group of young people at the church. During that time she met and fell in love with my father Bill Tomkins who was a member of the Order of Knights young men’s group at the church. They remained a couple for about 60 years.
They became engaged during the War, and had everything arranged for their wedding when Dad’s leave was cancelled at short notice and he was sent back to New Guinea and they had to cancel it all! Then, twelve months later, they decided they would get married; so, within a fortnight they had everything arranged again. They were married at Toowong Methodist Church on 9 February 1946 by Rev Walter Kidd. They honeymooned at mum’s parents’ seaside house at Southport.
Mum and dad lived at Oliver St, Kedron for seven years (during which time Neil and I were born) moving to their home in Broseley Road, West Toowong in 1953 (just before Lynne was born). The house was designed by mum’s brother Ed (who was an architect) and built at weekends over 2 years by mum’s father, my father and Ed.
Mum and Dad’s closest friends in the street in the early years were Ruth and Jim Secomb who they knew from Methodist youth group days. Jim had a company car, and would take us to church and Sunday school at Taringa Methodist Church. This re-established a relationship for mum-Zena with her faith community that lasted until her death.
Zena nursed Bill through a long illness prior to his death in 1999. During that time I am sure she drew on her faith and was assisted and uplifted by family and many friends (especially those in the Friendly Circle at Taringa Uniting Church).
There are a number of people who really wanted to be here today to celebrate Zena’s life but are unable to do so. They are Joyce Whelan, Robyn and Len Pearce, Les and Jean Tomkins, Glad and Mick O’Brien, Paul Underwood and Pat Strong. Joyce says: “Zena loved life and loved people.” Pat Strong says: “Zena was a tough old bird. She dealt with some really difficult situations.”
As family was such a big part of Mum’s life, I should say something briefly about her children. The three of us went to Toowong Primary School and were involved in Sunday school, church and youth activities at Taringa Methodist church.
I went to St Peters Lutheran College, my background is electronics, and I’ve worked in technical and sales jobs involving scientific and medical equipment, and currently work as an Information Officer for a small health union and as a medical scientist specializing in clinical neurophysiology. I have been involved in social justice and environmental campaigns and live in Melbourne with my wife Anthea. I enjoy surfing and cross country skiing.
Neil went to Toowong College and Corinda High. He has worked for the state government in insurance most of his life and currently works for the Queensland Treasury. He lives in Moorooka with his wife Helen, and has been active in the Ukrainian Catholic Church and enjoys fishing, sailing and travel.
Lynne went to Toowong College and trained as a primary school teacher. She has raised her family, lives in Forest Lake with her husband Ian and is involved in the family automotive business, Mr. Spanners. They enjoy camping and jet skiing.
Zena’s grandchildren were asked for a brief remembrance of their grandmother. This is what they said:
Chris says: “When I was very young, visiting Grandma and Granddad in Brisbane was all about geckos and “Queensland nuts”, ice cream and jelly, and mashed vegetables. And I loved those mashed vegetables. I even made my mum make me mashed vegetables, but it was never the same.”
“When I came to Brisbane several years ago with my band, not only did she entertain my band mates and I with a lush afternoon tea, she also attended our “all-ages” gig in the Valley Mall and bought one of our albums. When I expressed concern to my uncle that the lyrics contained on that CD might be a bit “fruity” for Grandma, he assured me she probably wouldn’t know how to use the CD player anyway.”
Elissa says: “Grandma never forgot your birthday and was always interested in what you were doing.” I’m sure this comment is echoed by all Zena’s grandchildren.
Mum loved children and lovingly cared for her grandchildren, when asked. She was always attentive to her own children’s needs and what they were doing. She convinced me in my early teens not to smoke. She would intervene in difficult situations, if necessary. She was generous to we children and had a number of charities she gave to regularly.
Zena maintained regular contact with her family throughout her life, from signaling with towels to her sister and mother (who lived within line of sight) before they had telephones to speaking at length almost every day to her sisters in later years. I know they will miss that regular phone call. She also wrote regularly to relatives who lived further away. Whenever she was on the phone she would have pen and paper handy and would make notes and doodle.
Mum’s sister Von says: “Zena was a wonderful sister who loved life, her home her garden and her many friends. She was always there for me in joy and sadness, her phone calls to me every night. I miss her so very much. I will never forget her. She will live with me in my heart forever - All my love - Von.”
Her sister Sade says: “Dearest Zen, Thanks for all the happy memories of growing up in Toowong, the holidays at Southport, the sing-songs around Grannies’ piano, the cuppas at Toowong Village, our walks around your garden gathering plants. Now you are asleep in God’s beautiful garden joined with Bill and have found perfect peace. Your job on earth well done. You have been a wonderful sister and friend. Most of all thank you for the joy of loving you. God bless. Fondest love, Sade.”
Despite her short stature, she was a fast walker. Numerous people have commented that when they saw Zena in the street, you had to be very quick to catch up with her. Even younger relatives have said that they have seen her down at Toowong village but she disappeared before they could reach her to say hello.
Mum was humble and always looking for the good in people. She seldom complained.
Mum wrote a few years ago, “Bill and I, with our children and later our 11 grandchildren have seen the years slip happily away. We have always been really blessed, surrounded by loving, caring and thoughtful relatives and friends.” I thank you, on Zena’s behalf, for being those loving, caring and thoughtful relatives and friends!
TOMKINS, The Courier Mail | 17 July 2009
TOMKINS, Zena Harriet, passed away peacefully on 15.7.2009. Aged 88 years
Beloved Wife of Bill (decd), much loved Mother of David and Anthea, Neil and
Helen, Lynne and Ian. Grandmother to Chris, Paul, Jason (decd) and Robbie,
Elissa, Russell, Katie and Luke, Bek, Andrew and Felicity, and
Great-grandmother to Patrick. Loved Sister of Von and Bob (decd), Sade and
Duncan, Ed (decd) and Joyce. Family and Friends are warmly invited to attend
a Celebration of Zenas Life, to be held on Tuesday, 21st July, 2009, at
Indooroopilly Uniting Church, 74 Station Road, Indooroopilly, at 10 a.m.
Chelmer - 3278 2590 An Australian Company
Zena says:
I started school in 1927 at the Toowong State School. Secondary School in 1935 saw me a pupil at Brisbane Girl's Grammar School.
In 1936 I studied at Business College and started work in 1937 at The Exide Battery Co. as a Typist - Invoice Clerk. Early 1946 I left to be married.
During the years between 1934 and 1946 I spent my leisure time with the Youth Group at the Toowong Methodist Church as well as being a singer with the Church Choir and teaching Sunday School.
Holidays were spent at my parents seaside cottage "Zevonsa" at Southport and also at Bill's parents home in Gladstone.
Bill and I lived at Oliver St, Kedron for seven years before moving to our present home in Toowong in 1953.
We, with our children and later our 11 grandchildren have seen the years slip happily away. Bill and I have always been really blessed, surrounded by loving, caring and thoughtful relatives and friends.
from David Tomkins' website
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eulogy for Zena Tomkins (1920-2009)
Thank you to everyone for being here to celebrate the life of my mother Zena Tomkins.
Mum made the preparation of this eulogy a relatively easy matter by recording about 10 pages of information about her life for the Toowong Historical Society. It was more a matter of what to leave out rather that what to say. The delivery of the eulogy, however, may be a different matter.
Zena Whelan (my mother) was born in Longreach on 16 November 1920. Her father Ted and mother Bram Weston met at Marathona Station, outside Longreach, where he was working as a cabinet maker and carpenter and she as an assistant to the lady of the house. When mum was 10 months old, the family moved to Brisbane.
They purchased land in Grove Crescent, Toowong and her father built the family home there. Ted and Bram raised their family of four children in this house. They had three girls, Zena, Vyonne, and Sadie, and then a son, Ed. They were very caring and very loving parents.
She started her schooling at the Catholic Convent school across the road for one year in 1927, and then moved to the Toowong State School. When there was a whooping cough epidemic mum’s brother Ed became so ill he had to have injections. Her parents decided to build quickly on a block of land they had at Labrador (north of Southport) and take the children there for a holiday. They ended up staying 12 months and Zena went to school in Southport. The family spent every school holiday there after that, and would often stay an extra week prompting a teacher at Toowong State School to say, “Here come the tourists”.
Zena was about ten years old when the Depression hit. She said, “...it was very difficult because there was very little money - which meant very little money for food and clothing. Being children, you didn't realize you were going without. Her father lost his job, and rather than work on the roads, he joined his brother-in-law, Lad Collin at William Collin and Sons who were sand and gravel merchants in the city. Life was still a challenge for the family, which taught mum to be a hoarder and recycler of almost everything. Despite the hardships, mum’s parents wanted the best for their children.
In 1935 Zena became a pupil at Brisbane Girl's Grammar School. She wasn’t really happy there, so after a year she changed to State Commercial High for a year.
She briefly studied at Stotts’ Business College and then started work in 1937 at The Exide Battery Co. as a Typist - Invoice Clerk. She started on 17/6d per week (that’s $1.75 per week) and left nine years later on £4 10s per week (that’s $9 per week). After a while Zena was offered a raise which paid more than the telephone switchboard operator who wasn’t very happy because she thought she was more knowledgeable than mum.
When the Second World War started, Zena was excused from joining the Services because her job was considered an “essential service”. The business was very close to the Brisbane River, and they sometimes had to respond to air raid warnings and go downstairs to shelter. On one of those occasions, a Japanese submarine was sighted in the river at the end of Wharf Street. Early in 1946 she left work to be married.
During the years between 1934 and 1946 Zena spent most of her leisure time with the Youth Group at the Toowong Methodist Church, as well as being a singer with the Church Choir and teaching Sunday School. She enjoyed playing tennis and spending time at the beach. In 1942, mum learnt steel guitar and had many happy meetings with a group of young people at the church. During that time she met and fell in love with my father Bill Tomkins who was a member of the Order of Knights young men’s group at the church. They remained a couple for about 60 years.
They became engaged during the War, and had everything arranged for their wedding when Dad’s leave was cancelled at short notice and he was sent back to New Guinea and they had to cancel it all! Then, twelve months later, they decided they would get married; so, within a fortnight they had everything arranged again. They were married at Toowong Methodist Church on 9 February 1946 by Rev Walter Kidd. They honeymooned at mum’s parents’ seaside house at Southport.
Mum and dad lived at Oliver St, Kedron for seven years (during which time Neil and I were born) moving to their home in Broseley Road, West Toowong in 1953 (just before Lynne was born). The house was designed by mum’s brother Ed (who was an architect) and built at weekends over 2 years by mum’s father, my father and Ed.
Mum and Dad’s closest friends in the street in the early years were Ruth and Jim Secomb who they knew from Methodist youth group days. Jim had a company car, and would take us to church and Sunday school at Taringa Methodist Church. This re-established a relationship for mum-Zena with her faith community that lasted until her death.
Zena nursed Bill through a long illness prior to his death in 1999. During that time I am sure she drew on her faith and was assisted and uplifted by family and many friends (especially those in the Friendly Circle at Taringa Uniting Church).
There are a number of people who really wanted to be here today to celebrate Zena’s life but are unable to do so. They are Joyce Whelan, Robyn and Len Pearce, Les and Jean Tomkins, Glad and Mick O’Brien, Paul Underwood and Pat Strong. Joyce says: “Zena loved life and loved people.” Pat Strong says: “Zena was a tough old bird. She dealt with some really difficult situations.”
As family was such a big part of Mum’s life, I should say something briefly about her children. The three of us went to Toowong Primary School and were involved in Sunday school, church and youth activities at Taringa Methodist church.
I went to St Peters Lutheran College, my background is electronics, and I’ve worked in technical and sales jobs involving scientific and medical equipment, and currently work as an Information Officer for a small health union and as a medical scientist specializing in clinical neurophysiology. I have been involved in social justice and environmental campaigns and live in Melbourne with my wife Anthea. I enjoy surfing and cross country skiing.
Neil went to Toowong College and Corinda High. He has worked for the state government in insurance most of his life and currently works for the Queensland Treasury. He lives in Moorooka with his wife Helen, and has been active in the Ukrainian Catholic Church and enjoys fishing, sailing and travel.
Lynne went to Toowong College and trained as a primary school teacher. She has raised her family, lives in Forest Lake with her husband Ian and is involved in the family automotive business, Mr. Spanners. They enjoy camping and jet skiing.
Zena’s grandchildren were asked for a brief remembrance of their grandmother. This is what they said:
Chris says: “When I was very young, visiting Grandma and Granddad in Brisbane was all about geckos and “Queensland nuts”, ice cream and jelly, and mashed vegetables. And I loved those mashed vegetables. I even made my mum make me mashed vegetables, but it was never the same.”
“When I came to Brisbane several years ago with my band, not only did she entertain my band mates and I with a lush afternoon tea, she also attended our “all-ages” gig in the Valley Mall and bought one of our albums. When I expressed concern to my uncle that the lyrics contained on that CD might be a bit “fruity” for Grandma, he assured me she probably wouldn’t know how to use the CD player anyway.”
Elissa says: “Grandma never forgot your birthday and was always interested in what you were doing.” I’m sure this comment is echoed by all Zena’s grandchildren.
Mum loved children and lovingly cared for her grandchildren, when asked. She was always attentive to her own children’s needs and what they were doing. She convinced me in my early teens not to smoke. She would intervene in difficult situations, if necessary. She was generous to we children and had a number of charities she gave to regularly.
Zena maintained regular contact with her family throughout her life, from signaling with towels to her sister and mother (who lived within line of sight) before they had telephones to speaking at length almost every day to her sisters in later years. I know they will miss that regular phone call. She also wrote regularly to relatives who lived further away. Whenever she was on the phone she would have pen and paper handy and would make notes and doodle.
Mum’s sister Von says: “Zena was a wonderful sister who loved life, her home her garden and her many friends. She was always there for me in joy and sadness, her phone calls to me every night. I miss her so very much. I will never forget her. She will live with me in my heart forever - All my love - Von.”
Her sister Sade says: “Dearest Zen, Thanks for all the happy memories of growing up in Toowong, the holidays at Southport, the sing-songs around Grannies’ piano, the cuppas at Toowong Village, our walks around your garden gathering plants. Now you are asleep in God’s beautiful garden joined with Bill and have found perfect peace. Your job on earth well done. You have been a wonderful sister and friend. Most of all thank you for the joy of loving you. God bless. Fondest love, Sade.”
Despite her short stature, she was a fast walker. Numerous people have commented that when they saw Zena in the street, you had to be very quick to catch up with her. Even younger relatives have said that they have seen her down at Toowong village but she disappeared before they could reach her to say hello.
Mum was humble and always looking for the good in people. She seldom complained.
Mum wrote a few years ago, “Bill and I, with our children and later our 11 grandchildren have seen the years slip happily away. We have always been really blessed, surrounded by loving, caring and thoughtful relatives and friends.” I thank you, on Zena’s behalf, for being those loving, caring and thoughtful relatives and friends!
TOMKINS, The Courier Mail | 17 July 2009
TOMKINS, Zena Harriet, passed away peacefully on 15.7.2009. Aged 88 years
Beloved Wife of Bill (decd), much loved Mother of David and Anthea, Neil and
Helen, Lynne and Ian. Grandmother to Chris, Paul, Jason (decd) and Robbie,
Elissa, Russell, Katie and Luke, Bek, Andrew and Felicity, and
Great-grandmother to Patrick. Loved Sister of Von and Bob (decd), Sade and
Duncan, Ed (decd) and Joyce. Family and Friends are warmly invited to attend
a Celebration of Zenas Life, to be held on Tuesday, 21st July, 2009, at
Indooroopilly Uniting Church, 74 Station Road, Indooroopilly, at 10 a.m.
Chelmer - 3278 2590 An Australian Company
Events
| Birth | 16 Nov 1920 | Kingfisher Street, Longreach, Queensland, Australia |  |  | |
| Residence | 1943 | Clerk - 37 Grove Cresent, Toowong, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | | ||
| Marriage | 9 Feb 1946 | Toowong Methodist Church, Toowong, Queensland, Australia - William Francis "Bill" TOMKINS 🧬 | | ||
| Residence | 1949 | Home Duties - Oliver Street, Kedron, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | |||
| Residence | 1954 | Home Duties - 48 Broseley Road, Toowong, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | | ||
| Death | 15 Jul 2009 | Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | | ||
| Cremation | Aft 15 Jul 2009 | Bed Position #18A, Royal Garden, Heritage Park Crematorium Memorial Gardens, Goodna, Queensland, Australia | | ||
| Reference No | 1948 |
Families
| Spouse | William Francis "Bill" TOMKINS 🧬 (1921 - 1999) |
| Child | Living |
| Child | Living |
| Child | Living |
| Father | James Edward "Ted" WHELAN 🧬 (1895 - 1981) |
| Mother | Mary Elizabeth "Bram or Bramble" WESTON 🧬 (1891 - 1987) |
| Sibling | Joyce Isabel WHELAN (1919 - 1919) |
| Sibling | Vyonne Maurine "Von" WHELAN (1924 - 2021) |
| Sibling | Sadie Gwenette "Sade" WHELAN (1925 - 2020) |
| Sibling | Edward Roy "Ed" WHELAN (1927 - 2002) |
Notes
Birth
1920Â Â BIRTHS in the District of Aramac in the State of Queensland, Registered by Marcus David Grealy, District RegistrarRegistration Number: 6416
CHILD.
When and where born: 16th November 1920, Kingfisher Street, Longreach
Christian name: Zena Harriet
Sex: female
PARENTS.
FATHER.
Name and Surname: James Edward WHELAN
Rank or Profession of the Father: Carpenter
Age, and Birthplace: 24 Years, Longreach, Queensland
When and where Married: 26 Oct 1918, Brisbane Queensland
Previous Issue, Living and Deceased.
Living:Â Â Years:
Deceased: 1 female deceased
MOTHER.
Name and Maiden Surname of the Mother: Mary Elizabeth formerly WESTON
Age and Birthplace: 29 years, Brisbane, Queensland
INFORMANT.
Signature, Description and Residence of Informant: Mary Elizabeth WHELAN, Mother, Kingfisher Street, Longreach
WITNESSES.
Medical Attendant: Dr Michod (or Nichod)
Nurse: Matron Rose Seymor (Correct spelling is Seymour)
Other Witness:
REGISTRAR.
Signature of District Registrar, Date, and where Registered: M D Grealy, 15 December 1920, Longreach
QLD Registration number: 1920/C/11113
Residence
Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980Name: Zena Harriet Whelan
Gender: Female
Electoral Date: 1943
Electoral Place: Toowong, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Marriage
QLD Registration number: 1946/B/5639Residence
Zena lived at this address until her death in 2009.Death
Australia Death Notices, 1860-2019Name Zena Harriet Tomkins
Birth Circa 1921
Death July 15 2009
Notice type Funeral notice
Age at death 88
Published July 17 2009
Published by Courier Mail (Brisbane)
Cremation
Plaque is in Royal Garden, Bed Position 18AEndnotes
1. Zena Harriet WHELAN, birth certificate 6416 (11113) (1920), Queensland, Australia Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages, Brisbane, Queensland.