Auntie M

My Auntie M, my dad’s sister, passed away at 5am this morning. She was in her 72nd year. Her eldest daughter was at her bedside.

Auntie M had kidney and heart problems and had been ill for quite some time. She’d been doing home dialysis for a couple of years and was on the verge of having to get it done in hospital. She was due to have a second round of heart related surgery last Wednesday to do some corrections, but was sent home as she wasn’t well enough. She returned to the hospital on Friday as she was really unwell. Auntie had been revived during and after her previous surgery a little while back, after which she put a DNR order in place. Due to her not being in hospital for a full 24 hours, they want to do an autopsy.

Auntie M grew up on the same farm as me, trained as a school teacher, then married (just a handful of weeks after my parents) and moved to her husband’s farm in a different part of the State. They had three daughters and worked the farm until my uncle’s ill health saw them sell the property and move to Adelaide some 10-12 years ago.

They loved 4WDing, especially up in the northern parts of Australia in the winter, a haven for the “grey army”.

When we were kids, we went camping in various parts of the upper Flinders Ranges together – we had a great time.

Mum and Auntie M went on a 1 week cruise out of Brisbane a couple of years ago and had a ball. Her kidney problems virtually precluded her from any more holidays.

Auntie M was a lovely lady and very community minded.

She lost her husband to cancer nearly 7 years ago.

In recent years, there has been some family disharmony, resulting in a split from one of her daughters. I know this caused her great stress, something a person with cardiac problems doesn’t need. I can only hope that rift may have had a chance to cool.

Auntie M is survived by her 3 daughters and 6 grandchildren and has been reunited with Uncle G. She will be farewelled by family and friends on Thursday.

Rest In Peace, Auntie M.


Thursday 6 May 2004

AC1 – Day 2

DH left for Sydney this morning and will be home tomorrow night. I feel well, which is a pleasant surprise. I do feel dry though.

Took 2 stemetil before bedtime.