McCarthy, Joyce Olga 1932-2025
Joyce Olga McCarthy [nee Douglass 1932-2025]
The Society has had many dedicated members who volunteered as office bearers or assisted with the Museum. Few, however, were as long-serving and committed as Joyce McCarthy. She joined the Society in 1966 and became involved in the establishment of the Illawarra Museum. Opening in December 1966, the Museum became one of the many activities that Joyce supported with determined enthusiasm.
Joyce and her brother, Peter, grew up in Staff St near Wollongong Hospital. The Douglass family had close connections with the steelworks. Her grandfather had been the works manager at the Hoskins Lithgow steelworks. A, G. Douglass was involved also with the establishment of the Port Kembla works. Joyce’s father trained as an engineer and also worked at Port Kembla.
Educated initially at West Wollongong Public School, Joyce went on to Wollongong High School where she completed her Intermediate Certificate. Sewing and dressmaking courses at Wollongong Technical College followed. Her sewing proficiency led to a job making soft furnishings at McAlister and Askews in Crown St. Joyce later used her skills to great effect at the Museum.
In 1960, Joyce married Henry McCarthy. A quiet, methodical person, Henry was an accountant who served a term as Society treasurer and for ten years audited the Society’s accounts. Henry assisted where needed at the Museum as did their daughters Catherine and Susan.
Joyce became the Museum curator in 1984 and for next 25 years devoted a massive amount of her time to organising and presenting the collection. Joyce diligently researched collection items and their correct treatment. Characteristically, Joyce avidly attended seminars and workshops to extend her knowledge and to promote interaction between museums.
She made curtains for the Museum parlour and bedroom displays as well as cabinet covers and other soft furnishings. She also made and wore costumes for the opening of new exhibits, school visits and special events.
The Society recognised the contribution made by Joyce in 19?? when she was made an Honorary Life member. On her retirement as Museum Curator in 2009, a room in the Museum was named after her.
The Society and the Museum were not the only community activities in which Joyce participated. She was a keen ballroom dancer and in 1954, Joyce won a gold medal for her prowess. Joyce was an active member of the local Red Cross and of St Mark’s Anglican Church at West Wollongong. For many years, Joyce was a regular participant at the Church on the Mall handicraft shop.
For her contribution to the community particularly in the areas of local history and heritage preservation, Joyce was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2008. The award was a well-deserved recognition of her long-term selfless contribution and dedication. Joyce continued to be a member of the Society board until the beginning of 2025. She maintained a keen interest in local heritage issues as well as developments at the Museum.
Joyce was always willing to comment on community issues, provide advice on Society and Museum matters, and share her knowledge. The Society was fortunate to have such a dedicated member for so long and she will be missed.