ANDREANA Cachia would have proudly walked at this Sunday’s Harmony Day celebrations in Marulan.
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She did so every year as the town celebrated its melting pot of cultures.
But on Sunday, the community will observe a minute’s silence for their Maltese-born friend who loved Marulan and its people.
Mrs Cachia, 74, was killed on Monday soon after emerging from her Hume Highway property’s driveway. Her Holden Barina collided with a B-double shortly before 1pm in the southbound lane, about 1km south of George St. Police performed CPR but she died at the scene.
She had been travelling to Marulan for a doctor’s appointment.
“The community is very upset,” Mrs Cachia’s good friend, Maureen Eddy said.
She recalled a lady who worked hard for the Marulan Lions Club and the Catholic Church. She was also a member of the senior citizens group.
Family meant everything to her.
Son Paul told the Post his mother once sold her prized Capo Di Monte porcelain collection to raise money for his family. His three children suffer a muscle wasting condition and are wheelchair bound.
“She said they were only things, but we were her children and she would do anything for us,” Mr Cachia said.
“She put herself last.”
Earlier, she raised $5000 in a week for the three children by canvassing doctors and other people she knew.
Mrs Cachia was born in Malta and came to Australia with husband Fred in 1962.
They lived at Greystanes and near Richmond before the couple moved to Marulan seeking a larger property some 18 years ago. They grew fruit and vegetables and ran sheep on the holding.
They had three children – Paul, Mary and Vincent.
Mrs Cachia was actively involved in the community and had a wide circle of friends. She worked hard for causes like the Cancer Council and the Heart Foundation.
“She loved the people of Marulan,” Mr Cachia said.
“…Mum had a lot on her plate…I always told her to take it easy but she loved being involved and with her friends. She would go to these things rain, hail or snow.”
On the day of the accident, Mrs Cachia would normally have gone to bingo but instead headed to her doctor’s appointment.
She had intended turning right towards Marulan when her car was struck by the truck a short distance from the driveway, Mr Cachia said.
His mother had preferred using this route rather than travelling south to the new overbridge and turning back for Marulan.
“We’re not sure what happened – whether she had a heart attack or her foot slipped off the brake,” Mr Cachia said.
The family has called for an autopsy.
He does not blame the truck driver, who was taken to hospital suffering shock. Mr Cachia wanted him to know this to assist his healing.
Meantime, they’re in mourning for a loved mother.
“I’m very proud of her,” Mr Cachia said.
“She did a lot for us. Whatever we needed, she was there for us.”
Mrs Cachia’s funeral service will be held at the Pauline Fathers Monastery at Penrose at noon next Thursday, September 25.
She will be buried at Marulan Cemetery next to her husband Fred who died five years ago.