Thursday, March 20, 2025

Obituaries in the Bunyip and Garfield Express, 1938 to 1948

In 2020-2021 the Bunyip Historical Society (https://bunyiphistory.org.au/) received a Local History Grant from the Public Records Office of Victoria to digitise the Bunyip and Garfield Express from 1938 to 1948. It is now available on Trove https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper and provides much interesting information about the activities of the local community during World War Two and the few years either side. In this post we look at some of the obituaries published during this time, with a focus on women, which are a great source of local and family history.

Mrs Mary Ann Brownbill
The death occurred at Garfield on the 30th ult, of Mrs Mary Ann Brownbill, an old and highly esteemed resident of Garfield, at the age of 80 years. A family of two sons (Stanley, Gordon) and three daughters Blanche (Mrs Ashworth), Maude (Mrs Younger) and Myrtle (Mrs Neill) are left to mourn their loss. The funeral took place to the Bunyip cemetery and was largely attended by sorrowing friends and relatives.
Bunyip and Garfield Express, May 14, 1943, see here)

Mrs Catherine Kavanagh
It is with regret that we record the passing of another pioneer of the district, in the person of Mrs Catherine Kavanagh, of Iona, relict of the late Mr Owen Kavanagh (who died about ten years ago), the sad event taking place on Dec. 23. The deceased lady was born in the County of Roscommon, Ireland, and was 87 years of age. With her husband (who worked in the drain as one of the early settlers and afterwards successfully carried on farming pursuits) she came to Iona upwards of 50 years ago, where she has resided ever since, highly esteemed and loved by all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance.

A family of three sons - Bartholomew, James Joseph and Owen Patrick - are left to mourn their loss. After Requiem Mass at St. Joseph's Church, Iona, the funeral took place to the Bunyip cemetery, being largely attended by sympathizing relatives and friends. Messrs Thos. Giblin, Jas McGrath, J. W. Doyle, Jas. Kavanagh, sen., O. A. Phayer and T. D. Drake, J.P., acted as pallbearers. The service at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. Father Cremin, and the funeral arrangements were carried out by J. D. Grubb Pty. Ltd.
(Bunyip and Garfield Express, January 7, 1944, see here)

Mrs Louisa O’Brien
On 22nd December her many friends were deeply shocked to learn that Mrs Louisa O'Brien, highly respected wife of Mr George O'Brien, had died suddenly that day at Warragul. The deceased lady was a native of South Melbourne, her parents coming from England, her father being the late Mr Joseph Berry, whilst her mother, Mrs Emily Berry, is still living in Bunyip. When only three years of age, Mrs O Brien's parents went to Tonimbuk, but on the development of the Kooweerup Swamp the family moved to the latter locality, with the result that Mrs O'Brien had spent 51 out of her 54 years of life in the close neighbourhood of Bunyip, and thus ranks amongst the pioneering families who made the way easier for those that followed.

She was noted for her energetic and most progressive spirit, always out to help any movement worthy the name. Prior to the present war she took a big interest in sporting bodies, but when more serious matters claimed the attention of the populace, as a result of the outbreak of hostilities, she was always to the fore in all patriotic efforts. Mrs O'Brien was best known as a most active member of the Bunyip Branch of the Country Women's Association, and had only recently completed her term as president. When the Association sponsored a sale of gifts on 30th September last, most of its success was due to this lady, as it took the auctioneer over two hours to sell the goods she had collected, and had the satisfaction of seeing £88 7s 8d divided equally between the Bunyip branches of the Red Cross and Australian Comforts Fund. Mrs O’Brien was clever at basket making, and freely imparted her knowledge to others, with the result that these articles brought many pounds to aid the Red Cross and A.C.F.

The deceased, who was the oldest member of her family, is survived by two daughters, Emily (Mrs Cyril Bramley) and Madge (Mrs Ford Niquett). Both these ladies live together at Carnegie, their husbands being on active service, one now engaged in operations at the Phillipine Islands. There are three granddaughters. Mrs O’Brien also leaves a brother (Mr Edward Berry, of Bunyip), and three sisters - Annie (Mrs R. Long, Maffra), Elizabeth (Mrs E. Dawes, Bunyip), and Ivy (Mrs T. Maddigan, Bunyip). The husband is an old established and successful farmer in the Bunyip district, and great sympathy is expressed for him and the sorrowing relatives in their sudden bereavement. The day following the death, the funeral took place to the Spring Vale Crematorium. The Rev. W. Leathbridge (Church of England, Bunyip,) conducted the funeral service, and Messrs J. D. Grubb & Co., Drouin, were the undertakers
(Bunyip and Garfield Express, January 12, 1945, see here)

Miss Rosa Armao
After an illness of only a few days, a sad death occurred at Bunyip on 24th March, when there passed away Rosa, the youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs B. Armao. Her parents have been living in Australia for twenty years, the last five at lona. Of a bright and happy disposition, the deceased had a large circle of friends and was especially fond of children. A sad feature is that the young woman only reached her 21st birthday the day before she died, and a coincidence is that 21 motor cars followed the hearse. On Monday subsequent to the death, the funeral left St Joseph's Church, Iona, for the Bunyip cemetery, where Rev Father McLaren officiated at the graveside. There was a wonderful array of wreaths, and as each of Rosa's school mates deposited their floral tributes they were most visibly affected. The coffin bearers were Messrs W. Fallon, S. Armao, S. Nanfaro, R. Altamore, L. lannello and G. Gandalfo. Pallbearers were Messrs Lombardo, S. Interigi, S. Accardi, G. Ficarra, C. Pantorno and G. Liccardi.

The oldest sister Vincenzina (Mrs Caruso) lives in Italy, and other members of the family are Angelo and Sylvester, who reside at Iona. To them and the bereaved parents we feel sure that their sorrow is shared by all sections of the community, especially by those who were privileged to know this fine young woman.
(Bunyip and Garfield Express, April 6, 1945, see here)

Mrs Lily Pitt

Another link with the early pioneering days of Garfield and district has been severed with the passing of Mrs Lily Pitt, whose death occurred on Friday week. The deceased lady was the widow of the late Charles Pavey Pitt, who predeceased his wife in November last year. The late Mrs Pitt, who was a native of Cornwall (England), came to Garfield just fifty years ago. There she married her late husband and went to reside at Mikado Park, on the Prince's Highway. After living there some years the family moved to Vervale and set about reclaiming some of the virgin swamp land, where they established a prosperous farm on which they lived for the remainder of their lives.

In the early days of Garfield, Mrs Pitt took a keen and kindly interest in the welfare of the district and was of great assistance to her late husband in the many great activities and sporting bodies with he was connected. She leaves a family of four sons and two daughters. They are Leslie, Clarence, Leonard, Dorothy (Mrs Carr McDonald), Richard and Hazel (Mrs F. T. Martin). It is pleasing to note that all the members of this family still reside in the district for which their late parents did so much.

The funeral took place to the Bunyip cemetery on Monday week, the cortege being a very large and representative one. The casket was borne to the grave by Messrs Les, Clarence, Len and Richard (sons), and William and Clem (grandsons). The pall bearers were Messrs L. M. Stewart, S. L. Goodman, William Pitt (nephew), T. D. Drake, J.P., Carr McDonald and F.T. Martin, the latter being sons-in law of the deceased. Prior to the funeral leaving her late residence, the Rev Mr Ackland, Church of England Minister of the Drouin-Bunyip Parish, conducted a service and he also officiated at the graveside. Messrs J. D. Grubb Pty. Ltd., of Drouin, had charge of the mortuary arrangements.
(Bunyip and Garfield Express, July 20, 1945, see here)

Mrs Elizabeth Rogers
A most highly respected and familiar figure in the every-day life of Iona and Bunyip for many years past, in the person of Mrs. Elizabeth Rogers, has gone to her long rest. Despite her advanced age of 92 years, she was in her usual state of good health up to about three weeks ago, when it was noticed she was failing rapidly, and on medical advice was admitted to the West Gippsland Hospital, where she died on Monday evening, 3rd September. A native of Wooler, Berwick-on-Tweed, Great Britain, Mrs. Rogers arrived with her parents (Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lillie) in Port Phillip Bay, when only four years of age, the voyage, lasting months, being made on a sailing ship known as the "White Star." Attracted to the goldfields the family moved to Maryborough, thence to Sandy Creek (Maldon), and later to Baringhup. Those were the days when "Cobb and Co. were Kings." 

After only a few years of married life Mrs. Rogers lost her husband. Answering the call to Gippsland, the deceased, who was a very strong woman and blessed with a great love for life on the land, with her family in 1894 moved to Longwarry South, where they carried out dairying pursuits. In those days milk separators and district butter factories, as we know them, hardly existed. Thus it was that the art of butter-making was mostly done at home, and in this branch Mrs. Rogers excelled. During the period between 1897 and 1907, she ad to her credit no less than 100 prize tickets for home-made butter and cheese won at various agricultural shows, including no less than five secured at the Royal Melbourne Show in 1898 for butter in its various grades. 

In 1903 Mrs. Rogers and family moved to the Kooweerup Swamp area on land she had selected in 1900, and then known as the Little Yannathan Drain, ranking among the first settlers. Resting on her laurels as an expert butter and cheese maker, Mrs. Rogers specialized in needlework, and was again at home at country shows by annexing many more prize tickets. Her last notable success was at the 1945 Bunyip Show, where she won a special prize with hand-knitted gloves. These attracted much attention and admiration in view of the exhibitor's great age, combined with her wonderful eye sight, which enabled her to do such fine work. Whilst living at Bunyip, Mrs. Rogers was the guest of Sister Darnley, and in fine weather took a delight in meeting friends in the streets, relating reminiscences of her long and most active life. A special pleasure for her was to distribute amongst her friends a piece of her birthday cake as each year went by, and never forgot the Hodge family whom she had known Maldon.

Mrs. Rogers leaves two sons, Thomas and Llellwyn, both of Iona, and two brothers and one sister (Adam, of Baringhup; Joseph, St. Mary's, New South Wales; and Miss Isobel, Baringhup). The funeral took place at the Drouin cemetery, where an uncle was buried - on Thursday of last week, Rev. Mr. Baird officiating at the grave side. Bearers of the casket were Messrs. T. M. and John Lillie (nephews), Athol Camp and Frank Toy. Pall-bearers were Messrs. W. Temby, J. Fallon, E. Morton, W. D. Russell, J. Preston. L. Stewart and J. C. Anderson. Messrs J D Grubb & Co, of Drouin, were the undertakers.
(Bunyip and Garfield Express, September 14, 1945, see here.)  

Mrs Daisy Cooper
News of the passing of Mrs. J. A. Cooper, of Fogarty's Lane, Nth. Tynong, at the Alfred Hospital on February 18th, came as a distinct shock to her friends throughout the district, as well as those near and dear to her. She was only 43 and is mourned by her husband, 8 sons and 2 daughters. The large attendance at the funeral which took place at the Bunyip Cemetery on Tuesday, reflected the high esteem in which deceased was held right throughout the district. Rev. C. C. Macmichael conducted the service at the graveside and the casket was carried by Messrs. A., M., and G. Cooper and L. Smith. The pall-bearers were Messrs. W. Kenny, W. Smith, J. Scala, T. Hendry, R. Sheidy, W. Stewart, T. McGrath, B. Carmen, C. Edwards and R. Perry.
(Bunyip and Garfield Express, March 1, 1946, see here)

Mrs Martha Doris Kelly 
Widespread sympathy was expressed throughout the district when the sad news of the death of Mrs. Doris Martha Kelly, on Saturday night, September 14th, became known. The deceased, who was only 30 years of age, had been in indifferent health for some time and was an inmate of "Warrawoona" Private Hospital in Bunyip, when the end came suddenly from heart failure. Widow of the late Edward Kelly, who died at Christmas last, deceased was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Gray, highly-esteemed residents of Catani. The family resided for many years at Modella, where Mrs. Kelly's schooldays were spent. For a time her home was at Yallock and of recent years at Catani. She was a general favorite winning the affection and esteem of all who knew her. Sincere sympathy has been extended to her bereaved parents and brothers, Jack, George and Willie, and 10-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, who mourns the loss of a devoted mother. 

A service at St. Thomas' Church, Bunyip, conducted by the Rev. N. A. McLean, preceded the funeral in the Bunyip Cemetery on Monday. Floral tributes of great beauty covered the coffin when it was borne to its last resting place by her brothers, Messrs. W. and J. Gray and L. Dawson, E. Lineham, J. Kelly and A. Camp. The service at the graveside was conducted by Rev. N. McLean in the presence of mourners from all the surrounding districts. The mortuary arrangements were carried out by Messrs. J. D. Grubb Pty. Ltd., of Drouin.
(Bunyip and Garfield Express, September 20, 1946, see here)  

Mrs Martha Gray
The sadly sudden death of Mrs. Martha Gray, which occurred at her home in Catani on Saturday, September 21st, at the age of 65 years, came as a great shock to the whole community. Only a week previously, her, only daughter, Mrs. Doris Kelly, had been buried. Mrs. Gray, who leaves a sorrowing husband, and three sons, Jack, George, and Bill to mourn her passing, was one of the pioneers of the district, and as highly esteemed as she was widely known and loved. Keenly interested in all district  activities, Mrs. Gray was particularly popular with the young people.

Born at Natte Yalloek, near Maryborough, the deceased was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Jagoe, of Ripplebrook, and the sister of Mrs. Tolley (Ripplebrook), Mrs. S.J. Rogers (Modella), Mrs. Aurisch (Boolarra), Mrs. Ralph (Neerim), Mrs. Damm (Tawonga), Mr. E. Jagoe (Drouin) and Mr. W. Jagoe. Before the funeral on Monday, a service was held at St. Thomas' Church of England in Bunyip. The Rev. N. A. McLean, vicar, officiating at the church and graveside. The funeral, followed by mourners from all parts of the district, took place at the Bunyip Cemetery. The coffin, covered with floral tributes, was borne by Messrs. E. Purvis, A. Camp, E. Dawson, E. Aurisch, J. Tolley and G. Lineham. Messrs. J. D. Grubb Ltd. attended to the mortuary arrangements.
(Bunyip and Garfield Express, September 27, 1946, see here)  

Mrs Catherine Sarah Julia Green
On Thursday, September 26th, the district lost yet another of its old and valued members in the person of Mrs. Catherine Sarah Julia Green. She passed away at the Warragul Hospital after only a short illness. Aged 84, Mrs. Green came to Iona in 1911 from the Hamilton district. Her husband, William Cole Green, pre-deceased her, his death occurring only five months after their arrival at Iona. Well-known and respected through out the whole district, she devoted her whole life to the welfare of her family, and was a sincere worker for St. Joseph's Church, Iona. The heartfelt sympathy of the whole district is extended to the sorrowing family. She is survived by Sister Catherine, Edith, Thomas, Gordon, William, Teresa (Mrs. J. Tormey) and Ursula. One son Francis was killed in action in the 1914-18 War.

Requiem Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Cremin at St. Joseph's Church, Iona, on Friday morning. The funeral left the church for the Bunyip Cemetery in the afternoon, and was attended by a large gathering of relatives and friends. Many beautiful floral tributes were received. The coffin was carried by her three sons, Gordon, Thomas, and William, and a nephew, Mr. J. Bradstreet. The pall bearers were Cr. John Fallon, Messrs. J. J. O'Leary, T. D. Drake, Jim Pitt, J. Tormey, J. O'Connor, L. Stewart and C. M. Davine. Rev. Fr. Cremin was assisted at the graveside by Rev. Fr. McLaren. Messrs. A. J. McGilton were in charge of the mortuary arrangements.
(Bunyip and Garfield Express, October 4, 1946, see here)  

Mrs Bridget O'Leary
Vervale was deprived of one of its oldest inhabitants when death claimed Mrs. Bridget O'Leary, wife of the late Michael O'Leary at the grand age of 83 years. Falling at her home recently she sustained a broken hip, was admitted to Warragul Hospital, and passed away on March 21st. Mrs. O'Leary, who was born at Galway Ireland, arrived in Australia at the age of 18, and in 1914 came to Iona from the Bungaree district. Devoted to her family, deceased took a keen interest in all rural affairs and was highly regarded in the district where she was eminent for her charitable and kindly deeds. She was also an ardent worker for St. Joseph's Church. The sympathy of the entire district is extended to her sorrowing family, who are left to mourn their loss. 

Mrs. O'Leary, who lost her husband 18 years ago, is survived by five daughters - Mary (Mrs. W. Murray, Ballarat).  Elizabeth (Mrs. A. O'Donohue, Melbourne), Nora (Mrs, J. Kehoue, Sydney), Annie (Mrs J. Pitt, Vervale) and Rosie (Mrs. J. Kelly, Vervale). One son John, pre-deceased her. Requiem Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Cremin at St. Joseph's Church on Saturday morning. The funeral, which was large, left the church for the Bunyip Cemetery at 2.30 p.m. The casket was carried by Messrs. A. O'Donohue, J. Kelly, F. Murray. The pall-bearers were: C. S. Davine, J. J. Kavanagh, F. Crudden, J. J. O'Leary, T. Giblin, G. Green, N. Schmutter, L. Stewart. Rev. Fr.Cremin conducted the solemn obsequies. Messrs. J. H. McGilton Pty. Ltd. were in charge of the funeral arrangements.
(Bunyip and Garfield Express, March 28, 1947 see here) 

Mrs Julia McLean
With the death of Mrs Julia McLean, of Garfield, on July 16th, at 83 years of age, passes yet another of that small band of valiant pioneers who were amongst the original settlers of our Swamp lands. It is almost 50 years since she and her late husband settled on the land near Garfield, and developed the farm under severe handicaps. Of a quiet retiring nature she gave her full attention to the home, and was content to let the world go by. She is survived by three sons, Theo, Talbot and Vincent. One son pre-deceased her.
(Bunyip and Garfield Express, July 25, 1947, see here)

Mrs Kate Hourigan
The news of the death of Mrs. Kate Hourigan, at her home in Garfield, on Thursday, September 11th was received with deep and sincere regret by Garfield and district residents. Mrs. Hourigan came to the district with her husband in 1902, and during her early days won a name for herself by her work on behalf of St. Mary's Church of England at Garfield, and for her interest in local affairs. With the failure of her health, she was confined to her home, but her bright and happy nature kept alive the interest
she had always maintained in district happenings.

A large gathering of friends attended to pay their last respects at St. Mary's on Friday afternoon. Rev. N. A. McLean conducted the service. Many beautiful wreaths from friends and local organisations were placed on the casket before it left for Spring Vale General Cemetery for interment. Our sincere sympathy is extended to the sorrowing husband Henry, and daughter Eileen (Mrs. Sturzaker) in their sad loss.
(Bunyip and Garfield Express, September 19, 1947, see here)

Mrs Agnes May Towt
Although she had not enjoyed good health for some time past, the death of Agnes May Towt, on Sunday, May 23rd came as a great shock to her nearest and dearest, and her wide circle of friends. On Friday she was not so well, add on Saturday, the doctor was summoned, and was in close attendance all day Sunday. In spite of every care and attention however life could not be prolonged, and the end came at 5 o'clock on Sunday afternoon.

An active worker all her life for public causes, the late Mrs. Towt was identified with practically all movements for the advancement of the town and district. With her husband, she was a prominent and practical supporter of the Progress Association, the Public Hall, the original hospital movement, and the Country Women's Association. She was closely identified with the latter right up to the May meeting, which she attended. Genuine sympathy is felt for the bereaved husband, and family of one son, Ronald, and two daughters, Elva and Dot, to their grievous loss. Rev. Sims conducted a service at her late home, before the largely attended funeral left for the Bunyip cemetery on Tuesday afternoon.
(Bunyip and Garfield Express, May 21, 1948, see here)

Mrs Emma Frances Russell
It is with regret that we announce the death of one of Iona's pioneer residents, in the person of the late Emma Frances Russell, widow of the late John Russell, who pre-deceased her six years ago. Mrs. Russell was well known and highly respected by a wide circle of friends. Her health failed a few weeks ago, and she was admitted to the Warragul Hospital. It was soon seen that her condition was serious, and, she passed away peacefully on July 28th.

Born at Beaufort just on eighty-eight years ago, Mrs. Russell spent her youthful days there, where she eventually married. Mr. and Mrs. Russell shortly after moved to Melbourne for a few years, but the call of the land was too much for them, and they decided to take up land at Iona. There they arrived just forty-two years ago, with their sons Frank, and Fred (deceased). Their means of conveyance from Melbourne was a horse and dray - quite a popular way of travelling in those days. The funeral, which took place at the Bunyip cemetery on Friday of last week, was largely attended. The service at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. J. F. Sims. The casket was borne to the grave by Messrs. H. Schmutter, V. Tooth, A Birkin, and R. Bassett. The pall bearers were Cr. J. Fallon, and Messrs. W. Temby, A. Camp, L. Stewart, F. Rogers, M. Giblin, M. Howie, and C. Costain. Messrs. J. A. McGilton and Co. of Warragul, carried out the funeral arrangements.
(Bunyip and Garfield Express, August 6, 1948, see here)

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