My family tree

Eulogy The eldest of eight children, Margaret Bertie was born at "Ashley" Neusa Vale near Gympie to Bertie and Susan Hillcoat on 15th August 1907. Her brothers and sisters Harry, Violet, Agnes, George, Elsie and Geoff make up the family. Robert died as an infant. Margaret began her schooling at a private house before the opening of Eel Creek School where she was enrolled on the first day. However, she spend most of her school years at the Wolvi School enrolling in 1914. Marg enjoyed a happy childhood with her family at Wilsons Pocket in the Gympie area. She participated in the social activities of bush picnics, tennis, dancing and horse riding. It was at a bush picnic where as a child she first met her future husband Herb. They began courting in 1923 when he was 17 and she was 16 and were married on the 26th June 1929. They bought a dairy farm at Sandy Creek near Gympie, milking by hand as was usually done then. Their first child, a son, Rongald George(Ron) was born on 17th July 1930, their second child, a daughter Elsie Joyce(Joy) completed his happy family on 2nd January 1932. After 11 years at Sandy Creek they sold the farm and bought a dairy farm at Mulgildie. During their time at Mulgildie, after being flooded out, and having to clean up afterwards more than once Marg & Herb built a new home out of flood reach. Marg joined the Red Cross, the C.W.A. and she was a regular attendant at the chuch services there. She worked with Herb in the dairy enjoying her life of family, farming and social activities and making many friends. They moved to 82 Newton Street in Monto in June 1957. She was then able to rejoin the Red Cross - Mulgildie branch having closed after World War 2 ended. She remained a member till her death. Marg was a member of the Presbyterian church guild for the past 40 years. She religiously attended meetings, proudly helped with cooking for stalls and other fundraising associated with both the Red Cross and the Guild. Marg greatly enjoyed attending he Church regularly. She gained much from her faith. Her naturally pleasant personaility endeared her to all who knew her. One of her great pleasures in life was keeping in touch with many friends and relatives. She was always genuinely interested in any one she knew. Her love of gardening gave her much enjoyment, she treasured most, the plants, cuttings and pieces given to her by other gardening friends. Her interest in gardening began early and continued trhoughout her life. Even with her failing eyesight the weeds were not safe. The arrival of her first grandchildren two girls born only six weeks apart in 1952 began a new interest. As the years passed she was blessed with ten grandchildren, then eventually twenty six great grandchildren. She was delighted and proud to have her family extended to this number. Her strong faith, support of family and friends assisted her greatly after the sad loss of Herb in 1978. She greatly appreciated the assistance given to her by the Blue Nurses in her later years. With their help and the devoted attention from Joy she was able to stay in her own home and keep her independence which she treasured. It was not until the last 12 months that she accepted 'Meals on Wheels' and the aid of Ann to clean her house. Interwoven with the happiness and pride of her life with Herb and their family are the hardships, the floods, the wartime privations, the passing of family member