Marie Helen Sullivan was born on June 17, 1938, to proud parents Jack and Gladys Sullivan – and is a sister to Barry, who is deceased, and to Frances.

Marie attended school at South Forbes Convent, then on  to Our Lady of Mercy Convent.

On leaving school, Marie worked at Angliss and Co butchers, then at Arthur Palmer’s Solicitor, where she made life-long friends. During this time, she attended TAFE, doing typing and shorthand.

She then became part of Sullivan and Son’s carrying firm, working in the office. She also worked part-time for her brother Barry Sullivan at his corner store for many years. Tom says that the highlight of shopping at Sullivan’s corner store was meeting Marie.

It was in 1965 that a young fellow, Tom Dwyer, asked Marie out and she said ‘no’. In 1981 Tom asked her out again, with the answer still being ‘no’.

Tom went through the checkout feeling rather deflated. As he left he told Marie he was off to the Golfie for dinner. As he walked towards the club house, he saw Marie’s Statesman come over the ramp like a bat out of hell.

As she pulled up, she wound the window down and said, “get in”. Tom said he gladly did as he was told, from that day and forever more.

It was then only a short time until Marie and Tom were married on 27 February, 1982.

Marie and Tom built a new home “Ningadoo” on the “Pleasant View” property where Marie joined the Dwyer Brothers team. 

Marie took to family life well, and then along came the corgi dogs.  She loved the corgi dogs very much, and there were lots of stories and fond memories.

Marie had a great gift for cooking. One of her specialties was her sponge cakes, which were held in high regard.

Marie also at this time cared for her father Jack until his death. Another example of Marie’s care for others was her voluntary work teaching scripture at Forbes primary school for many years.

Marie became a valued member of the Mater Auxiliary, having held the position of president. She proudly received a 25-year service award for her dedication in this area.

One of the things she also loved doing was selling tickets for different charities around town.

Marie and Tom retired to town 16 years ago to settle into a new house called “Whistler” on the edge of town. They travelled around Australia, having a very enjoyable time.

Throughout the years, Marie provided great support to Tom in his role with Les Clarke, in the Agricultural Societies Council and Western NSW District Exhibit. She also gave great support to Tom while he was judging produce at local shows. 

Tom says their marriage was very special and they made a point of ending each day happily together.

They loved their Sunday routine of going to Mass, followed by a cuppa with relatives or friends. Often this involved travelling up to 400km on unknown journeys for the day before returning home.

In August 2016 Marie became ill. At Christmas that year, she became a resident of the Mater Nursing Home where she was lovingly cared for by the staff.

Around Easter time the following year, Tom arrived home from the Sydney Royal Show. Marie met him at the front door on the walker, yes, she could walk again! Her face beamed with excitement and joy, yes, she could get out and go to the club again. 

Marie had a great love of all sports. She followed them all. She won the tipping competition at the Mater for two years running. She also loved the weekly happy hour.

Special thanks to the doctor, and all the nursing staff and carers, and all who visited her during this time.

Frances, what a great sisterly love. Your support to Marie was unequalled.

Marie had a special place for her family, friends and the local community generally, and in return they responded.

There are two thoughts that Tom wanted to conclude with: that Marie made a lonely country boy a very happy one; and thank you Marie for spending your life with him, may God bless you and keep you.