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Cathy
Senior Member


4249 Posts
Posted -  03/01/2008  :  08:25
Our Great Auntie Edna died today at 6.00am this morning.  Edna Harker (nee Fletcher) was born in Barnoldswick, I think around 1920.  She was our maternal grandmothers sister.  I really don't have a lot of statistical information about her, but she and her husband Harold were the ones who helped us (her great nieces and nephews) thru some very tough times, when our family split, soon after arriving in Australia in '64.  Auntie Edna was there with open arms and her huge loving heart, giving us kids shelter, meals, a bed to sleep in, masses of hugs, protection when necessary from our Dad.  She was the kind of lady that belonged to numerous committies, always had papers to write up, always ready to lend a helping hand, ever busy.  She even stood up to our state premier of the time, demanding that she be allowed to keep us (6) kids in her home.  He declined, and we each stayed at the childrens home until fostered out.    With hindsight I can see that it wouldn't have worked, but God bless her for trying so hard.  Auntie Edna and Uncle Harold had two children of their own (George and Joan) and lived in a 3 bedroom housing trust home, in Whyalla SA.  They were our sponsors, so that we could come out to 'the land of oppurtunity'.  They loved it here and praised their new home often.  She also loved animals, and named her dog Peggy Sue, after the song ... I think there were several Peggy Sue's.  Her home was always busy - cooking, baking, visitors, laughing.  Sadly her health declined as she grew older.  Harold and Edna renewed their wedding vows after (I think) 50yrs of marraige.  They were devoted to each other.  Harold died quite a few years ago, some of us managed to see him in hospital here in Adelaide, before he died.  As a teenager I did a few trips to see my mother in Port Lincoln, Whyalla is on the way, and we would pop in to see them.   Nothing had changed - always a bed, a meal, whatever was needed, and ofcourse lots of love.  I remember them picking me (and I think my elder sister) up from Adelaide to take us to Whyalla for a holiday during a school holiday, they had an Austin car, very roomy and bouncy, each time a truck or semi trailer  would pass us, Auntie Edna would 'breathe in'. - she hated them.  I remember them visiting me once in my own home, and I was worried that my chair would collapse if Auntie Edna sat on it.  Auntie Edna was as round as she was tall.  I say this with a great deal of love.  She was only 4ft nothing, but when she hugged you ... you knew you had been hugged. 
Her parents were Walter Fletcher and Martha Fletcher (nee Lane), both buried at St Mary Le Gill Barnoldswick.  Her sister (our maternal grandmother) was  Annie Lavinia Tillotson (nee Fletcher), she and her husband lived in Ellis Street , Barnoldswick. 
God bless you Auntie Edna, thankyou for everything you did for us, everything you tried to do, and for your letters over the years.  R.I.P.


All thru the fields and meadows gay  ....  Enjoy   
Take Care...Cathy
Author Replies  
moh
Silver Surfer


6860 Posts
Posted - 03/01/2008 : 11:54
My sympathy Cathy - my thoughts are with you as another link in the chain is broken.  Thank God for people like her, shame she could not keep you and save you further heartache


Say only a little but say it well Go to Top of Page
panbiker
Senior Member


2301 Posts
Posted - 03/01/2008 : 13:22
What a nice tribute Cathy, your Aunt Edna was obviously very dear to you. My sympathies.


Ian Go to Top of Page
Doreen
hippies understudy


429 Posts
Posted - 03/01/2008 : 17:23
Remember Auntie Edna as she was a wonderfull person by your descripcion, my sympathys for your loss.


Dordygail

always the one to make the best of things.

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Stanley
Local Historian & Old Fart


36804 Posts
Posted - 04/01/2008 : 08:15
Lovely post Cathy.......  What lovely memories to have of another human being.  Death doesn't cut that link.


Stanley Challenger Graham




Barlick View
stanley at barnoldswick.freeserve.co.uk Go to Top of Page
Cathy
Senior Member


4249 Posts
Posted - 04/01/2008 : 08:53
Thanks everyone. 
Last night I had thoughts of Auntie Edna (in heaven) up on her soapbox , speaking her mind.  Today, Marilyn and David popped in, and Marilyn said "I bet she hasn't stopped talking yet, for anyone else to get a word in".   I for one  hope that she has given our Dad 'a good dressing down.'  Auntie Edna will be buried on Wed, ironically our Dad's birthday, if he were still alive.   Smile 
'



All thru the fields and meadows gay  ....  Enjoy   
Take Care...Cathy Go to Top of Page


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