Jean Gloria Dingwall was born on October 21, 1919 to Thomas and Ivey Currey in Forbes. Aunty Jean was their third child preceded by Linda and Little Sonny, who died in infancy. She was followed by Phemie, Patricia, Reg and Marie (Aunty Marie is here today).

Aunty Jean had a wonderful childhood growing up in a loving family with all her brothers and sisters in William Street surrounded by close-knit neighbours including the Meagher and Swartz families with whom they have remained life-long friends. It is wonderful to see Mary Meagher here today.

Aunty Jean was a wealth of knowledge relating to Forbes and district and the families who lived here.

Aunty Jean relayed many stories to us, like the one when she worked for Doctor Lincoln Bedcober the dentist. She was his assistant but also rode Reg’s bike down each day in the dark to clean the surgery and prepare it for the day for an extra two and six per week.

Aunty Jean and Uncle Don were married in 1945 and purchased a small business on the corner of William and Oxford streets which they operated for years. People still came up to her to this day and would say, “remember me Mrs Din, I used to come into your shop and buy lollies and ice blocks” (the latter she made every night herself).

In 1948 their only child Ian was born and was thoroughly spoilt by his aunts and uncles and older cousins.

When they sold their business several years later, they moved to Richmond to live with Uncle Don’s Aunt Freda on her farm. They stayed there for 12 months while their home was being built in Grenfell Street, Uncle Don had employment there.

The new home was built on their block of land which they purchased from Merv and Betty Weaver. They were next door to Scotty and Joyce Wallace all of whom have remained life-long friends, as were the Sutties over the road, the Flynns and Hawkes further down, Phyllis next door, Bob and Val over the road and Ron and Helen two doors up.

As the years went by new neighbours moved in. Bill and Wendy at the back, Allan and Lyn across the road, Smithy next door, Len and Julie next door and Mavis and Francis a couple of doors away. They all got on really well and looked out for her over the years as she grew older.

When Ian and Penny were married and grandchildren came along, she and Uncle Don cherished every moment they had with them. Her great grandchildren arrived and she had lots of visits and filled the house with their photos.

Her land band of nephews and nieces remained very close to her, some spent holidays with her and when boarding free weekends from the College and Convent.

Aunty Jean remained in her own home almost to the end. She moved into the Mater Retirement Home and was only there two-and-a-half weeks when she took a turn for the worse and finally gave up her battle at 7pm on Wednesday, January 18.

Aunty Jean was a great sportswoman and won many running races in her youth to win sixpence and take some of her family to the movies. She was very protective of her younger sisters and brother and many a school bully received her wrath on the way home.

Aunty Jean loved her football, was a great supporter of the Rabbitohs and had many an animated conversation on that subject with Bill Gunn and Ray and Kay Hill.

As well as Ian and Penny and her grandchildren, great-grandchildren she is survived by her loving sisters Phemie and Marie and much-loved brother-in-law John Coffey. All have given her much love and support over the years. May she rest in peace. 

Ian would very much like to thank Penny and his children Rachael, Tim and Anita and their families and his extended family aunts, uncles and cousins for the love and support they have shown his mother. Many thanks to all her beautiful neighbours and friends.

A big thank you to Dr Whittacker, the nursing and administration staff at Forbes Medical Centre; the wonderful band of community nurses; the fabulous team of the Mater Nursing Home for the love and care shown to her.

Many thanks to the wonderful staff of the Forbes District Hospital and last but not least, thank you to Brenda Hanley and family for their support, help and guidance.