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Family Memories
Mary was a true 'country' woman. She was raised on the Devenish farm and remained there until she married Frank. She had 5 children. She was a kind, loving and devoted mother, remaining gentle, caring and loyal to her children at all times. She had a calm disposition and it was never her nature to discipline her children vigorously. Indeed the love that she showed to her children was the equal of the affection she had for friends and acquaintances in the community. She was never critical and always accepted circumstances. In fact her nature was so warm and gentle, she enjoyed broad and complete popularity in the community.
She was a very loyal and hardworking wife. She personified the saying 'behind every successful man is a good woman'. Frank was an ambitious and driven man in business and community activities and Mary provided the supportive home environment to enable Frank to manage his business matters with undiminished focus and effort. At times, his drive required added patience on Mary's behalf and she met these demands undaunted.
Mary was very active in the community as a member of the Country Women's Assocation. She was also engaged in charity events, school functions, church gatherings and service organisations in which Frank was a member.
At home, in addition to nurturing her children, she cooked traditionally, was an accomplished dressmaker and attended to her home and garden with care.
In 1955, somewhat reluctantly, she left to travel overseas for 9 months with Frank. She left two young boys at home in Benalla in the care of a fond Aunt - Meg James. Intitially, she was worried about the boys and full enjoyment of her trip overseas was not realised. Later, while in London, professional advice urged Mary to relax and enjoy the pleasure of travel. This pleasure was duly manifest in subsequent overseas trips when she travelled with Frank to Asia, England and America.
A health problem that Mary had during her pregnancies was varicose veins. This problem was duly corrected by a skilfull surgeon. However, circulatory problems were to impact her in later life. Nevertheless and in general, she maintained good health into the 1990's only to find her quality of life in the final years compromised by lengthy stays in nursing homes.
Ultimately, she lived a full and active life. She worked hard and enjoyed the fruits of that work during her 'retirement' years.
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