Obituary: Umina CWA loses respected member

Umina Beach branch of the Country Women's Association has lost one of its most respected and dedicated members.

Past Treasurer Mrs Margaret Croft died at her home in Umina Beach on Saturday, March 22, after a long and painful illness.

Margaret left a loving husband Ron, who had nursed and cared for her these past few months, a daughter Louise, son Deane and four grandchildren.

Margaret joined Umina Beach CWA in November 1997, became Treasurer in 1999 and served until late 2002.

CWA publicity officer Clare Wren wrote about Margaret: "Margaret was a quiet achiever.

"She looked after our finances in an efficient and business like manner.

"She was an excellent needlewoman and was always there for our Wednesday handicraft mornings.

"Margaret loved her garden and her beautiful fish pond, full of exotic and colourful fish, and her devoted cat 'Puddin' who during her last few weeks of illness, would sit on a chair by her bed for hours on end."

Her eulogy was delivered by her son Deane at her funeral held at Greenway Memorial Gardens, Green Point, on Thursday, March 27.

He said: "Mum had a great affinity with nature, whether it be a garden, a forest or an animal or insect.

"She carried these loves with her all her life.

"After leaving school, mum worked in the city with the Chief Secretary's Department.

"She held numerous roles during her 15 year tenure.

"During this period, mum arranged special leave to serve in the Land Army during the Second World War.

"Mum spent 25 years as secretary of The Sydney Rural Veterinary Centre at Cobbity.

"She loved her job.

"Mum adored all forms of animal life with a passion.

"She loved her cats, her dogs, her fish, her birds.

"Who else would wrap up presents for her kids' pets every Christmas?

"She would spend hours on end looking for frogs and lizards in her backyard.

"Mum was not materialistic. She would rather have a plastic frog on her dressing table than an expensive ornament.

"Her house is full of memorabilia, silly little gifts that may have been given to her from friends or family 40 years ago, still treasures to mum.

"Mum was involved in numerous community activities like Lifeline, Meals on Wheels and Umina Beach CWA.

"I asked dad how he would like mum to be remembered and these were his simple one liners.

"'A good mother, a good wife, a good grandmother, a hard worker, a loyal friend.'"

Clare Wren, April 2.