Judith Mitchell, better known as 'Judy ', is an independent resident and gardener at the Eastcliffe Retirement Village in Orakei, New Zealand and after working at the village for 16 years, she plans to move back to Samoa to take care of her 85-year-old sickly mother.

The 64-year-old hails from Fa'atoia and will retire in February.  

Judy originally started as the Manager for Housekeeping and it wasn't until the COVID-19 lockdown she started gardening for the retirement village. 

What turned out to be a fun hobby for Judy during lockdown turned into her newfound passion.

"I think because the residents admired the garden so much I was determined to do more - to put more beautiful things in the garden," said Judy.

She said her gardening was also inspired by her grandmother when she was a little girl in Samoa.

"She would carry me on her hip and put me in the middle of the pineapple plantation while she goes and weeds the other side," said Judy.

"I think that was an inspiration for me - now the garden here at Eastcliffe is very beautiful," added Judy

She has been an independent resident for five years by choice and said that the decision to live there on her own was easy because she had developed relationships with everyone. 

"I love and care for the residents ever since I started here in 2007 when I became the housekeeping manager - I got to know all of them, their attributes, their personalities," said Judy. 

"I didn't hesitate to come [live as an independent resident] I wanted to come because I knew there were older people," added Judy. 

Judy said her service to the residents had been somewhat of a blessing and a close connection to her mother.

"I also had this funny thing in me that my mother's so far away I might as well look after these mothers [and the older people]," said Judy

"I think that's a blessing for me because right up until now, even though my mum is not doing well, this is my reward, to look after these people the best way I can," said Judy.

"God is looking after Mum while I am looking after these people, but now that Mum is sick, it is time for me to go home." 

Judy is excited to move back to the homeland and to take care of her mother.