GLENDA MARY 

Glenda Mary Hunter
Photo: Courtesy of Katarina Silvester Photography 

Today we should be celebrating with cake and drinks, toasting the 49th birthday of my sister-in-law.  However, that did not eventuate as the powers to be had another plan for our beautiful lady.  So instead, I've written a tribute to one of the most selfless, generous, kind, humble, loving and courageous ladies who has made an enormous difference to so many lives.   

On 11 July 1970, a beautiful baby girl entered this world. Rodney and Lynne Sargood of Harold Park, Tambo were given the task of being her loving parents.  Glenda was the second eldest of the Sargood family with Anne-Marie, Jamie and David as siblings.   Glenda's education began in 1976 at Tambo State School of which she excelled in her academic journey.  Glenda had a very keen interest in Pony Club and was successful in the gymkhana arenas with her loved horses of "Blackie"  and "Skyes".  

Glenda was awarded Dux of Tambo State School on completion of her Grade 10 studies.  Other awards that were bestowed to Glenda were the Tambo Young Australian of the Year and the Arthur Con Foo Bursary.  Glenda went to Toowoomba where she was boarding at St Ursulas and in 1987 completed her senior year of education at Downlands College, Toowoomba.  

Longreach became Glendas' home after school where she began her nursing training.  Glenda met the love of her life Joe, when she returned home to Tambo to visit family and friends and romance blossomed around 1990. They moved to Tasmania for a period of time whilst Joe worked in the shearing industry.  During their time in Tasmania on the weekends they toured around taking in the majestic scenery and enjoying each others company.  However, this was not their forever home and they both knew they would return to Queensland where they selected to reside in the western town of Roma.  

On taking up residence at Roma in December 1990 they both secured employment at the Roma Hospital. Glenda loved nursing and spent most of her time working in theatre and in later years Triage and Administration.  

On 15 August 1992 Glenda and Joe were united in marriage at St Ursulas Catholic Church in Toowoomba.  After a wonderful honeymoon in Vanuatu they purchased their first home at Curry Street, Roma.  

Their family grew when a beautiful, curly haired baby girl was born in 1996 and was completed with the arrival of the their beautiful son in 1999.  

After several years Glenda decided to take a chance and change careers.  She ventured into the field of Crisis Housing and the Disability Services Sector.  Glenda continued to nurse on the weekends to keep her nursing status.  

From her childhood days growing up on the family property at Tambo, the love of the land remained with Glenda, which saw them purchasing Bungil View just north of Roma.  Glenda had a very artistic and creative talent and she decided she would buy her own business and venture into the Floral Industry with the purchase of "The Floral Nook".  This business became her new found passion and one she excelled at immensely.  Her commitment to working 7 days a week, working dusk till dawn was immeasurable and she kept soldiering on and never complained.  

As Glenda faced ill health it was time to sell her beloved business she had built up from hard work and lots of love and deep commitment.  Shortly after this, the family decided to move back into town and sold their rural retreat of Bungil View (otherwise known as Hunters Hill!) It was during this time period that Glenda was diagnosed with Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer.  For many years, Glenda had numerous operations and again she displayed true spirit, positiveness and strength during the entire journey.  These were her strongest virtues.  She never showed how hard it was for her, instead she took on everyone else's grief.  Glen decided to create as many memories for her and the family as she could and so began the European travel adventures, Concert crawling by attending every possible musical artist that visited Australia! Cher and Shania Twain just to name a few, visits to family and friends and a return journey to Tasmania with Joe.  

I was fortunate to have Glenda and the family visit me and spend some valuable family time together, where we enjoyed the beauty of the Whitsunday Coastline and the rainforests of Eungella in pursuit of the evasive platypus.  

One thing I do know about my sister-in-law is that her love of family never ever wained.  She treated everyone with the upmost respect and always saw good in people she encountered.  One of her strongest loves were her husband and children and the immense love of family.   The children in our families, both Sargoods and Hunters are richer for having an Aunt of this calibre in their lives.  She always wanted to know of their achievements and concerns for their health and always having their best interests at heart and never missed a birthday.   Her love for her nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews was so very deep and they all have been blessed to have an Aunty so beautiful.  

Glenda wanted to put her love of music and  her family together by hosting a "Living Wake".  To accommodate the punters in the family (and there are a few of them!) she combined it with a Roma Race day.  Family and friends travelled vast distances to be there to share in the creation of memories that we will hold dear in our hearts forever.  Along with fine food, a few champagnes, great laughter and the odd bet or two we all partied into the night and sang and danced to honour Glens final wishes.  During the entire weekend, Glens smile was infectious and through the pain, she kept on going, laughing continually and enjoying everyones company.  

The Sargood Family

The Hunter Family minus one

Forever Loved 

Laughter all around

Cousins Reunited

Group gathering by the photographer who wasn't the photographer! 

The one thing Glen taught me through this journey was to be grateful for the blessings I have and to never give up hope.  I know I left it to the very end before I told her how I really felt, I guess we all take it for granted that we have time.  But what is time? It can be taken from us in an instant...and then what? It's too late.. so my advise to you reading this tribute, is to tell those around you that you love them, smile and always be kind, find that inner courage to continue in the journey of life and most of all be humble. And in Glenda's own words "Fake it, till you make it"

I remember saying to her when the weekend of celebrations was ending "Was it everything you hope for?" Her response was "Most definitely, it exceeded it Rose!"

The Hunter Family
Photo: Courtesy of Katarina Silvester Photography 

Sadly our families and friends of the beautiful Glenda Mary were brought together only 4 weeks later to bid our final farewell.  Glenda lost her battle to Cancer on 22 March 2019.  Given her diagnosis, we were blessed to be able to have more time than is usually spared with this type of cancer.  She beat the odds of surviving past 5 years and for that we will always be grateful.   I thank you for being so courageous and giving us all the chance to be by your side.  She will be forever young.

So whilst you may not be here with us, we can still raise our glass, turn up the music and toast the birthday girl, just as you would want us too.  Cheers to you lovely lady.  

In closing I leave you with this: 

My husband had the opportunity to tell Glenda the following:

"Being a punter I can only compare you to Winx.  A truely remarkable girl, a champion with a big heart who is a crowd favourite loved by all.  Glen you inspire me with your courage, dignity and selflessness of placing others before yourself.  Only at the agony of parting are the depths of love really understood.  I will drown in tears.  Love you Glenda, and our families and lives have been truely blessed by your presence"   

I think this sums our girl up perfectly.  Don't you? 

10 Years Without You

Boxing Day 2008 - The one day that is etched in my brain and heart until the day I die. The day I lost my darling Mother, my friend, my confidant ....her time was up.  Born in 1926 aged 82 years and 4 months, one of 16 children, mother of 6, grandmother of 13, great grandmother of 7 when she was called home.  

They say time heals when we are greeted with grief and loss,  one thing I know is that life goes on and we have to learn how to deal with the cards we are dealt with.   A reflection of 10 years without you. 

What you taught me  - sacrifice, gratitude, love of family, putting others before yourself, respect, protection of our children, endurance, faith, the power of prayer, hope and forgiveness,  that two wrongs don't make a right, be the better person and walk away. 

What I admired most - your tenacity, courage - for example, the loss of your father 3 days before Christmas in 1962 yet we never understood the pain you endured and dealing with future Christmases with a sadness in your heart.  At the time you had 6 children one only 6 days old.  The impact you made to peoples lives, the friendships you formed and the devoted love you gave to others and never ever expecting anything in return.  Caring unconditionally for your mother - in - law in her final years when in actual fact you had a life time of reasons to walk away. Your beauty, intelligence and humour.  Your love and pride of family.

My heart bursts with pride when I hear of stories from family and friends that have the utmost respect for you and the difference you made in their lives.  

You have faced many challenges in life - Marrying just after the second world war.  Raising two generations of children - covering births from late 1940 to early 1960's.  Raising teenagers of the swinging sixties to the liberated 70's flower power era. The loss of very dear friends and caring for them in their time of need.  Leaving your family and loved ones to move to central west in the 70's for Dads work.  Raising a family on your own whilst our Dad was away earning  a living. 

What are my memories - Some my earliest memories are the family photos by the old lemon tree, our huge pantry packed with grocery items.  Your massive baking days and the smell of home bakes treats wafting through the house.  Christmas stockings hanging by the fire place.  Our school uniforms hanging near the wood stove  and putting our shoes in the oven so they were warm before we went to school.  When the local horse races were on we used to sit on the verandah around 5pm and we had to pick who had won or lost judging by the looks on the drivers faces as they passed our home!  Teaching us the game of "Ornithorynchus"  We had to make as many words as possible from letters in this word.  Whoever had the most words won! The competition was fierce in the family to always outdo the other siblings.  Reciting your siblings in order of birth, of which I still do to this day.  Bella, Bill, Mag, Jack, Tom, Kev etc.. Our weekly walks to the Warwick Cemetery to pay our respects to your parents and loved ones already passed. The family stories of the past, hence my love of family history.  Volunteering at the school tuckshop, school fairs and sports days.  The excitement I had as a child when coming home on the bus after a day at school and we would turn the corner into Victoria Street and you would be standing at the front gate waving and smiling with happiness.  The days you were laid up in bed with blood clots and so very unwell. 

The marathon 24 hr cooking activity to raise funds for Marilyn when she was an entrant in the Miss Australia quest.  Sitting by my brothers bedside in one of his many bad asthma attacks hoping and praying he did not take his last breath.  Saying the Rosary in the lounge room.  Sunday roast dinners with the local priests.  Reading books by the open fireplace.  The night before Marilyns' wedding in 1973 and all the family home together with singalongs around the kitchen table.  Holding my hand when I went through IVF, not saying a word, but just being there.  The worry you had when I was in labour with my only child- still no words were spoken but now I understand that you were frightened for me and my unborn daughter. The tears you shed each time we had to say goodbye.  The strength you displayed when you were faced with life alone after the passing of our Dad unexpectedly.  The fear you had just prior to your passing, hoping that something didn't happen as it would ruin our Christmases forever and you did not want that to happen.  

Some quotes I still refer to  which now brings a smile and warmth to my heart thinking of you when I hear them today! 

• Sticks and stones will break my bones but names shall never hurt me.  
• Don't do unto others as others do to you.
• The cat can look at the Queen.
• Eat your greens.
• Crusts make your hair curly.
• Be kind
• You will have to come inside eventually and when you do I'll be waiting! (this was when I ran out side whilst avoiding the punishment for my bad behaviour) 

What I miss - your voice, our weekly phone calls, Christmases together, Mothers Day, your guidance and advise, but most of all your presence, (not being here to see your grand daughter marry the love of her life and her other milestones in life). 

The quote below sums up my 10 Years Without You perfectly.  

It has been said that time heals all wounds, I have to disagree.  The wounds remain.    Time - the mind, protecting its sanity- covers them with some scar tissue, and the pain lessens but it is never gone.  Rose Kennedy 

You live on in my life and your blood runs through my veins.  Love and Miss you Mum today and always xo

Stella Maud Buckland, nee Mitchell. 1 Dec 1920 - 30 Nov 2018

Today I had to enter a fact into my family history database and it broke my heart. 

Roseann and Aunty Maud at her 95th birthday in 2015

You see today is supposed to be one of joy and celebration.  My beautiful Aunt was turning 98.  I had some precious time with her only 5 weeks ago and she was fantastic.  Her mind was sharp as she recalled many stories of her past.  Her smile was infectious and she was joking around as she usually does with her very great sense of humour. 

The thought did cross my mind at the time of “will I see this beautiful soul again”?  As we progress through life the older we get we do actually think of this more often.  Why is that?  Is it because we are vulnerable and know that we all have an expiry date?  Yes, I do believe that is the case!  We just don’t want to talk about the loss, we condition ourselves to work through life as it is thrown at us.  We cannot live in fear of the unknown and what is out of our control, we must live for the now and create the most precious memories we can.  But silently we cannot help but let these thoughts creep into our minds from time to time. 

9 years and 11 months ago I had to say goodbye to my Mother.  She was one 16 children and yes, I will admit I do cling to memories that are within my heart, it’s what keeps me going.  And here I am today on 1 Dec 2018 finding myself grieving for my Mothers sister and my beautiful Aunt and her family.   Last night the Angels called her home just hours short of her 98^th birthday. 

This brings back the emotions of my own loss and knowing what my siblings and I had to endure at the time and knowing that my cousins are now faced with this event and have to work through another chapter of their lives.  As I was growing up I never really stopped to think of how my parents coped with loss, they both seemed to have it all together.  I never knew my grandparents on my Mother side.  Grandma Mitchell died long before I was born and I was only 2 when Grandfather Mitchell died.  I was 15 and 25 when I lost my paternal grandparents, and yes it was sad at the time but I don’t believe I really understood what my father was going through at the time.  It was just before I was 25 that I had commenced my family history and I was starting to realise for the first time what this “life” journey was about!

Back to my lovely Aunt.  This lady was and will always be very close to my heart, as I recall the memories of my childhood and her visits to our home.  She would always, and I mean she never ever missed bring me a bag of lollies on each visit except for one occasion she gave me a dollar and said “go around the shops and buy some lollies to share”.  I would have been no more than 7 or 8 years old.  In those days, you could get 5 snakes or red frogs for 1 cent!!  I would return home with this enormous brown paper bag full of lollies and was happy.  Until the lolly police arrived and confiscated the bag!  Mum would then issue a couple of lollies a day to us kids!  There are many, many more memories that I hold dear but this one is my favourite.  You see, even as an adult I would visit her at her home in Toowoomba and when she knew we were coming she would always have a bag of lollies for me! 

My message and reminder to myself today is that Life is precious, we will never get this moment of time back…EVER.  Sit with your loved ones, listen to them, take the photos and videos, hold their hand and gently care for them, capture and cherish your time with each and every person who comes into your lives, friends included. 

May you rest in peace Stella Maud Buckland, nee Mitchell.  Until I see you again .. I hope they have lollies in heaven!! If not I'll settle for a huge hug 💝 Love you forever.

What’s in a name?

Roseann Letitia, I know I was named after my Great Grandmother  Roseann and my Mother, Letitia.

Roseann – it is of English origin first used in the 18^th Century and a combination of Rose and Ann – well that’s what Google says!

Letitia - it is a feminine name derived from the Latin term "Laetus" meaning "happy".  

Where it all started was with my Great Grandmother Roseann (Rosanna) who immigrated as a 2 year old in 1856 from Ireland to Australia on the Lady MacDonald with her parents, John and Ann MORRIS, sister Ellen 9, and brother Timothy 12.  She died on 22 March 1921 in Warwick at the age of 69 years and is buried in the Warwick Cemetery. 

Roseann MORRIS married Patrick MITCHELL on 18 Feb 1874 at St Marys Roman Catholic Church in Warwick and gave birth to 16 children.  They lived most of their lives in Emu Vale and Swan Fells area. 

Roseann was 65 when she lost her son Maurice Henry in the First World War in 1918 and is buried in the Villers-Bretonneux  Cemetery.  I along with my descendants have had the privilege to visit his grave and pay respect. To my knowledge all her children moved away from the Warwick district except for Owen, Timothy, Theresa.  Her eldest daughter moved to Rhode Island in America, her daughter Roseann moved to Victoria and Western Australia and later returned to Bendigo where her descendants still reside. 

Roseann MITCHELL nee MORRIS

Obituary of my Great Grandmother Roseann Mitchell
Source: Warwick Daily News (Qld. : 1919 -1954), Saturday 2 April 1921, page 4

My mother Letitia MITCHELL was born on 6 July 1926 and died on 26 Dec 2008.  

My Mother and I at Warwick c1964

My Mother Letitia 

My Mothers sister, Roseann MITCHELL was born on 22 July 1923 at Tannymorel to Owen Patrick MITCHELL and Adele Mary CARNEY.  Roseann died on 7 April 1924 at the age of 8 months 16 days. 

The name Roseann & Letitia has come down the generations many times. I am proud and thankful to share my title with these amazing women.