MACKRETH, Essie (1908-1972)
Honorary Life Member 1972, Museum Curator and Volunteer
IN MEMORIAM : ESSIE JENNINGS MACKRETH. Born 20 February 1908, Helensburgh. Died 25 December 1972, Wollongong.
Many people have died whilst members of the Society, but their passing has not affected those who remain as much as did that of the late Mrs. Mackreth. The elder daughter and eldest child of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Wells, she spent most of her life in the Illawarra, returning after the death of her husband, the late J. R. Mackreth. A widow with four small children, as soon as circumstances permitted she resumed work with the City Council, where she was employed before marriage, resulting in a most advantageous liaison for the Society.
The Society's 1972 Annual Report will record that she was made an Honorary Life Member "for services rendered" on 3rd February, but this report will not convey to a later generation just what those services were. She joined the Society in 1952 (as she once remarked: "I joined as soon as it was possible") and thereafter served it and the district she loved so well.
Essie was one of the dedicated people who, never defeated, freely gave all, always present, always a volunteer as some time vice-president, secretary, treasurer, councillor. When the Museum came into existence after years of hope she made it her chief interest and her last job for it was as convenor of the Committee which produced the small souvenir Visitors' Brochure.
The slide collection was also occupying her time. She attended the November Council Meeting when she indicated she did not intend to stand for office in 1972, but would help as needed. Although an Honorary Life Member for a very brief period, she paid the annual subscription as a donation to the Museum! A worshipper at St. Michael's Pro-Cathedral from school days, the church was filled with her friends and many Society members followed the cortege to the Crematorium on 28th February. Feeling reference was made to her memory at the monthly meeting by several of the members and the sympathy of the Society is extended to her family in this inadequate tribute. Sleep well, Essie.
Phyllis de Jersey
Illawarra Historical Society Bulletin April 1972