Lorna Ruth Martin OAM 1928-2021
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Lorna Martin OAM was farewelled by family and friends at Sacred Heart Church in Yarrawonga recently, remembered by those present as a selfless volunteer who gave years of service to the community.
A pillar of local organisations including the Yarrawonga Mulwala RSL Women’s Auxiliary and Yarrawonga Legacy Widow’s Club, Lorna’s 92 years were honoured in a heartfelt eulogy delivered by granddaughters Debbie Cooper and Melissa Elliott.
“Telling the story of a life is a difficult task. How do you find the right words in the right order to sum up the life of a person?,” read Melissa.
“And the task becomes even more difficult when it is the story of an extraordinary life –
like that of our Nan - Lorna Martin.”
Lorna Ruth Pratt was born on December 27, 1928 at Temora the third of four children to Walter and Emma Pratt.
Ernie, Mary, Lorna and Colin were quite young when sadly, Emma died, leaving Walter to raise the kids alone.
He was fortunate to find love again in Linda Piltz. The couple were married and after some time the Piltz family settled in Yarrawonga in 1942.
“Lorna went to the ‘red school’, Yarrawonga Primary School, to finish her last few years of schooling before getting a job at O’Gillpins variety store,” read Debbie.
“Lorna’s head was turned by Henry Cale Martin when she was in her late teens. Henry, known affectionately as Harry, had returned from service in WWII, including time spent as a prisoner of war.
“The two had a whirlwind romance and were married on June 21, 1947 at Sacred Heart Church Yarrawonga.”
It was in a small, four-bedroom cottage in Pearce Street Yarrawonga that Harry and Lorna welcomed four children – Maureen, Michael, Henry and Mary.
As the children grew, Lorna returned to work to help support the family, working at Magg’s Motel, Coles and then starting at the Yarrawonga Hospital in 1965 – working there until 1987.
“It was here Lorna made many great friends and found her love of community service – joining the Hospital Extensions Fundraising Committee,” said Debbie.
“The desire to serve her community would be part of Lorna’s life for many years to come.”
Harry and Lorna enjoyed a happy, married life, surrounded by loving family and friends. In 1965 they pulled down the old cottage in Pearce Street and built a new house for the growing Martin family.
“Harry struggled at times with both the physical and emotional scars of war and after a long battle with illness he died in 1974,” said Melissa.
“Following Harry’s passing, with grown children and a fast-growing brood of grandchildren, Lorna refused to allow her personal grief to challenge her commitment to helping others.
“Recognising that returned servicemen and their families bore an incredible burden on their return to home soil, she set about committing herself to ensuring the welfare of those returned and their loved ones.”
Lorna joined the Yarrawonga Mulwala RSL Women’s Auxiliary in 1964, serving as President for 13 years, and remaining an active member until 2014.
Through countless years of fundraising, including many cold mornings selling raffle tickets and afternoons spent picking flowers and hand-making wreaths, Lorna and the dedicated members of the auxiliary provided unmeasurable support to many.
Lorna was the foundation President of the Yarrawonga Legacy Widows Club in 1992, a position she held for ten years during her 21 years as a member.
From there the list of volunteering commitments grew; Yarrawonga Senior Citizens Club, Yarrawonga Scout Hall Fundraising Committee, Cancer Support Group, Yarrawonga Old People’s Welfare Committee, Yarrawonga Mulwala RSL Club Ladies Indoor Bowls and Miss Australia and Junior Miss Australia Quest committee member.
“At one time Lorna was also a Neighbourhood Watch Zone Representative, surprising, considering most who knew her well would attest she was rarely ever at home due to all the meetings she had to go to,” Debbie said.
“The Pearce Street house became the centre of family life – comings and goings, Christmases, grandkids and get-togethers.
“Despite her busy life, Nan did her best to get to every birthday party, deb ball, school concert and family wedding – no mean feat considering there are 13 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.
“The grandkids and great grandkids loved spending time with Nan, Nanny or Great Nanny. Many days were spent cooking, sewing, roller skates in the driveway and more.
“Many of the grandkids will remember Nan’s ‘magic’ handbag – it didn’t matter where you went or what you were doing the handbag had anything you needed - plastic cutlery, needle and thread, hankies, lollies and more.”
In 2014, Lorna moved into nursing care at Warrina – making sure she still had the magic handbag and a stash of lollies for the grandkids.
The same year she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her many years of community service. She continued that service for as long as she possibly could – and even then – gave it up reluctantly.
“Nan lived her final few years in the loving care of the staff at Warrina and Karana,” Melissa said.
“She challenged them daily, rarely went without a glass of wine, and always said ‘fill it to the top’. “The family would like to thank the staff for all their love and care of our dear Nan.”
In closing, Melissa and Debbie spoke of great admiration for Lorna’s life of service to family, friends and community.
“Nan’s is a story of a life well-lived, an extraordinary life, and one we’ve all been so very lucky to be a part of.”
Father Steve Bowen paid tribute to Lorna’s life, noting her great capacity for generously giving her time to those in need. He praised Lorna for clothing herself in compassion and kindness allowing her to provide enduring service to the Yarrawonga Mulwala community.
The Martin family would like to thank Father Bowen for conducting the service and extend their gratitude to everyone who joined in the celebration of Lorna’s life.