Patricia known as Pat was born at Beechworth, 13 November 1927, to Charles Raymond Bartlett, (known as Ray) and Mary Alicia (Molly) Nestor. Her father worked as a leatherdresser at Zwar's tannery and was known to enjoy a bevy or two. Parents married 1927. Pat was the oldest of four children.

The family originally lived in Newtown and then moved to Barnard Street.

An application from Miss P. Bartlett to train as a nurse was received. This was approved by the board and Miss Bartlett will enter her training immediately. Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 25 November 1944.

The matron’s report was read … and that Nurse Bartlett and Nurse L. Smith had been successful in passing their first professional examination and would proceed to Wangaratta Hospital for twelve months and then return here.  Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 20 April 1946.

 Date of qualification - 17th January, 1949.

Aged twenty-two in 1949, Pat married thirty two year old Patrick Phillip Plant, also known as Pat. 

WEDDING BELLS

PLANT - BARTLETT.

On Saturday, 16th April, at St. Joseph’s Church, Beechworth, the marriage was celebrated between. Patricia Joan, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.R. Bartlett, Barnard Street, Beechworth, and Patrick Phillip, youngest son, of the late Mr. and. Mrs. Robert Plant, of Greta West. The church had been, decorated by the Brigidine Nuns and Sister Louise presided at the organ. The Rev. Father J. Ryan performed the marriage ceremony.

Given away by her father, the bride wore a gown of white lace over satin, the close-fitting bodice having a heart shaped neckline and long pointed sleeves; and the skirt being cut to form a train. The full length, veil, loaned by her friend, Mrs. W. O’Keefe, , was held by twin posies of orange blossom on either side, and her bouquet was of gladioli, gardenias and dahlias. She wore the bridegroom’s gift, a triple string of pearls, and as she left the church Miss Peggy Allen, the bridegroom’s niece, placed a horseshoe on her arm.

Misses Betty and Kathleen Bartlett, sisters of the bride, attended her, and were frocked alike in ice blue satin made with heart-shaped necklaces. Their halos and shoulder-length veils were of blue to match their frocks, and they carried bouquets of pink gladioli, asters and carnations. They each wore a double string of pearls, the gift of the bridegroom. Mr. William McHugh was best man, and Mr, C. Allen, nephew of the bridegroom, was groomsman.

Over 100 guests were entertained at a reception at Beechworth .Town Hall after the ceremony. The tables were decorated with Easter daisy, cosmos and dahlias, and the beautiful cake had been made and decorated by Mrs, Leo Gilchrist. The bride’s mother was frocked in black crepe de chene with black accessories; and Mrs. Aillen, sister of the bridegroom, also wore black accessories with her beaded black crepe de chene frock.

The young couple, who will make their home at Mt. Beauty are spending their honeymoon in Adelaide. For travelling, the bride chose a teal blue pencil striped woollen suit with white accessories. Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 30 April 1949.

After their marriage the couple relocated to 10 Arthur Street, Mt. Beauty where Pat a labourer, worked for the SEC. In the years following they had seven children, one of whom Helen died as a newborn in 1952.

In the mid 1970s, Pat became the registered nurse supervisor at the Mount Beauty Paramedical Day Centre administered by the Ovens & Murray Home for the Aged, Beechworth. She was considered by many as being a real lady. 

PLANT (nee Bartlett). - Patricia Joan (Pat) Late of Arthur St, Mt Beauty. Passed away after a short illness on Sept 27, 2008 - aged 80 years. Beloved wife of Pat (dec.). Most loved and respected mother and mother-in-law of Marie, Helen (dec.), Lyn and Wayne, Philip (dec.) and Christine, Helen and George, Peter and Susan, Michael and Cindy. Loving grandma of Erin, Tarryn and Luke, Candice and Mark, Cameron (dec.), Clarke and Amanda, Liam, Meagan, Caitlin, Catherine (dec.), Christopher, Matthew, Claire, Ben, Andy, Celeste, and Mischa. Our Mum and Grandma - always in our hearts.  Herald Sun, 30 September 2008.

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