Susie's bears bring Christmas cheer

Susie’s bears bring Christmas cheer

When residents receive their Metlifecare Christmas gifts this year, they’ll be able to spot a little gift tag with an endearing bear drawn on it.

Independent living residents will see a cheerful bear crowned with holly and clutching a sprig in his paw, while those in Metlifecare’s care homes will spot his friend in a Santa hat. Both are unmistakably Kiwi, with a twinkle of Christmas magic and jandals on their bare feet! What makes them extra special is that they’ve been lovingly illustrated by one of their own - Pāpāmoa Beach Village resident, Susie Groves.

In her cosy villa where she’s lived for 16 years, Susie stands before a bed which has her delicate drawings spread across, each picture filled with charm and character. “It always surprises me that people actually like my work,” she says softly. “When I found out my bears would be used as the Metlifecare gift tags, I was just over the moon. I just hope they put a smile on people’s faces this Christmas.”

Susie’s artistic journey began in childhood England, where her great-aunt, an accomplished painter who once exhibited at London’s National Gallery, encouraged her to draw. After she amazed both herself and her family by winning her school art prize “with honours,” she went on to live a colourful life: working for fashion icon Mary Quant, where she rubbed shoulders with iconic model Twiggy and even did Mary Quant’s personal manicures.

At a young age, Susie left England aboard a P&O liner bound for New Zealand, a voyage arranged by her father, who had connections in the shipping world. “I was ready to leave London society, it felt like freedom,” she smiles.

Her life since has been full of serendipity. In one curious twist, her first husband - a doctor and former All Black - was the man who delivered baby Tracey Edwards, who is now one of Papamoa Village’s chefs. “Tracey and I hit it off straight away” says Susie. “Isn’t it a small world!”

Although arthritis in her hands now means she no longer draws Susie’s artistic spirit shines on through her beloved bears. As residents untie their gifts this Christmas, they’ll be sharing more than a picture, they’ll be sharing a piece of Susie’s generous heart.