Mrs Gransden was a recent resident of the Eugowra Multi-Purpose Service and formerly of 'Smithfield' Eugowra.

Her funeral service was held at St Matthew's Anglican Church Eugowra on September 28 and conducted by Reverend Joy Harris.

The eulogy (printed below) was read by her daughter Kathy Scott.

The service concluded at the Eugowra Cemetery where Margaret was laid to rest with her husband Tom.

Margaret Mary Gransden

Also known as Ma, Marg, Moog and Eulimore Lass.

Born 6 March 1930 at Forbes, living at Vychan until her marriage, then moving to Smithfield where she remained until the last few years of her life.

Deceased 24 September 2020. Mum would have turned 91 next March and is the last surviving member of three siblings: Allan, Ruth, and twin brother Roger.

Mum attended school at Vychan until her own dear mother passed away in her mid-teens. At this point she left school to take care of the family.

In her late teens Mum attended a dance where she was swept off her feet by the dashing young violin player Tom Gransden, of The Eulimorian's, who were playing at the time.

Mum and Dad were married in Eugowra in 1951 and went on, almost immediately, to have four beautiful children, Max, Jenny, Kathy and Debbie, who in turn found four awesome partners, whom Mum loved dearly.

Mum was very much the homemaker, caring for family and entertaining friends.

Friends played a large role in Mum's life, none more so than 'Aunty Ruth'.

Theirs was a unique, lifelong friendship that began in their early teens and continued uninterrupted to this day.

'The farm' became very much the center of all gatherings, and Mum loved nothing better than cooking up a storm for family and friends ... and any excuse was good enough for a celebration.

Christmases became legendary with the extended family in attendance, and any others who had nowhere else to be.

Who can forget the mad array of Christmas hats, none were designed to be flattering ... but FUNNY they were.

The big Boxing Day Cray bobbing hunt became the calendar event not to be missed, and the few that couldn't make it Christmas day went to enormous lengths to be there for boxing day.

The highlight of this day was of course Mum's Craybob Curry ... and the merrymaking that went with it ... who will EVER forget 'Pass the Parcel?'

As time passed, and the children grew, Mum had the opportunity to earn some money tomato and beetroot picking with a fun-loving group of friends who managed to find some enjoyment in the midst of hard work.

Mum insisted, in our hearing only, that she was 'The Gun'.

Summer meant the annual trip to Manly and we all remember early starts with the car loaded to the hilt, filled with a couple of lambs and endless tomatoes, cucumbers, home baked cakes and biscuits.

Mum was always armed with a Peppertree switch just to keep us in line on the journey!

We have so many happy memories of long sun-soaked days on the beach with the Clement's, Greenhalgh's, Noble's and Welsh's.

We would also like to make mention of Mum's close friend, and cousin, Janet who helped make Mum's trips to Manly in her twilight years a possibility.

Janet was a great friend and source of comfort to Mum.

Mum's pride and joy was her garden where she spent many long hours 'head down bum up' producing an endless display of beauty, colour and good cheer.

Following this theme Mum began flower arrangement and cake decorating, from which the community benefited.

Mum was very heavily involved in the community where she had a long association with:

and a host of other charities, organisations, clubs and groups too numerous to mention ... to the point that she was rarely to be found at home!

Mum was welcoming, kind, non-judgmental and accepting of everyone, and all things.

Despite the disparity in age she always maintained an easy rapport with the 'young ones.'

Mention must also be made of Mum's, amazing, if sometimes 'off beat', sense of humour, and her own unique and infectious laugh!

Mum has left behind a beautiful family, 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Sadly border restrictions and health issues have prevented close family members Mitch, Teagan, Halley, Cora and Mel Beer. Sam Hinchcliff and Selina, Tim Scott, Whitney, Luke, Harvey and Aston Michell and Mel Gransden from being here, but they too are very much in our hearts and thoughts.

It was truly a blessing that Mums 90th Birthday was celebrated in March this year, one week before the lockdown.

Every child, grandchild and great grandchild was present along with Mum's many special friends ... which turned out to be the greatest gift of all.

On behalf of the family I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have travelled and made themselves available to help us celebrate the life of our dear Mum in these most difficult of times.

I would also like to thank the devoted and caring staff at the MPS who have cared for Mum over the past few years, and Dad before her.

Rest in Peace Mum, your life has been well lived and you have touched us all.

The Forbes Advocate welcomes the opportunity to share your tribute to your loved one, as part of our community's story.

If you would like to share the eulogy of a loved one with the community through the pages of the Advocate, particularly from these recent times when physical gatherings have been limited due to COVID-19 health regulations, you can email renee.powell@forbesadvocate.com.au or phone the Advocate office on 6852 1800 and speak to the editorial staff.