A tribute to my Nanna

I recently had the unpleasant experience of saying goodbye to my dearly beloved Nanna. She was 86 years of age and died peacefully in our local hospital on 23rd October.

Her and I were pretty close. I could talk to her about anything and she would tell me all about her life, loves and passions. More so in the last couple of months, because she was a little house bound and basically confined to her bed most days.

She loved all things yarn crafty - crocheting, knitting and weaving. She was a damn fine sewer, too. I often admired a picture of her that stood on the sideboard in the dining room. It showed her in a dress that she had made herself.

Her love for her family shined through when she talked. She also loved hearing all about everyone and how they were growing up, developing and living.

Nanna's passion for food was a little on the expensive side - she loved the seasonal fruit....Mangoes, Pineapple and Passionfruit....she also LOVED her seafood! Mud Crabs and Prawns (any sort....she didnt discriminate), fish (and chips - every Thursday night)...you name it, she loved it.....especially if it was free! We have prawns and oysters quite often, Pete and I (basically our one and only treat once a fortnight), so I would save her some just about every time and take them into her next time I was to see her.

At Nannas funeral, many, many people showed up. She had a lot to do with the community when she was able and touched many peoples lives. Here are some extracts from her eulogy (written and read by my Uncle Ian and my Dad):

Joseph and Sarah Duggan had a large family of which Mum was the second eldest. Mavis was born on the 28^th June 1921 at Parson’s Point Gladstone.

Due to Pop’s work commitments the ever-growing family moved between Brisbane and Gladstone. Since 1940 lived in Gladstone at her present address.

Wherever she went Mum increased her repertoire for learning the necessary skills for later life. (This was done by) working in with sisters and brothers, Jean, Joseph, frank, Betty, Bill, George, Alice, Hilda, and Josephine.

Whilst at Parson’s Point Mum recalls visiting her grandmother, Grandma Buck, who flew a parcel delivery aeroplane to and from Brisbane, Auntie Phoebe and Uncle Sam Millward, playing at school with the local kids and the annual Christmas break-up with the homemade ginger-beer and horehound.

After the many moves, it was around 1940 that Mum returned to Gladstone on a permanent basis.

Pop bought a property at 155 Off St. from Mr Corr next door, and later sold the house which was built with team effort to Mum and Dad.

During the War many Yanks camped on the Barney Point Golf Course. Mrs. Eggstein used to hold parties and invite everyone but mum had eyes for my future Dad, Harry Watts. He was living close by and was working for Bill Golding.

Due to rules at the time regarding marriages, Mum and Dad were married on the 23^rd June 1943 at the Presbyterian Church at Norman Park.

Another page finishes and a new one begins.

Harold was born in 1944,

Joe in 1947,

David in 1950 (my Dad),

Yvonne in 1952,

myself (Uncle Ian) in 1953,

and Stephen in 1960.

As each grew Mum became involved in the local South Gladstone State School Committee and to the St.Saviours Church of England Boys Club. (She was) always providing a guiding hand and love.

At the beginning of 1965 a tragic turn of events altered Mum’s life forever.

A car accident on top of the Gin Gin range saw her eldest son killed, me in a coma for 6 weeks, Stephen thrown clear with minor injuries and her being constantly hospitalised.

The beauty of all this was that the whole Watts and Duggan families pulled together and each assisted us through this crisis.

Yet another page of the book of life is turned.

Mum was there for all our ups and downs.

Stephen recalls how mum and he used to ride the steam train to Rockhampton when they used to visit the eye doctor. She really enjoyed all the trips with us wherever we went.

In the 70’s Mum saw her flock marry and begin to move on to raising their families.

The first to start the next generation was only daughter, Yvonne and Keith Gilmore with Lois. Mum really enjoyed the added company. This family went on to produce 2 more grandchildren for her and 3 great grandchildren.

David and Linda gave Mum 2 Grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Janine and I between us gave Mum 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Between Joe and Julie they gave her 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, whilst Stephen and Kathy gave her 3 grandchildren.

Believe me; Mum adored each and every one of them.

Through her love and tireless efforts, I think our family now knows the meaning of “Life hereafter.”

We were brought up to love and respect all mankind no matter what their station is in life.

We understand religious beliefs and without piety for those whose beliefs are different and affect each of us.

- No more suffering and no more pain –

May you enjoy your restful sleep.

I know you and Dad are together again and you are watching over us, always.

Thank you Mum --- Goodbye for now.