Doreen Beatrice McClelland was born in Goulburn on October 19, 1917 and died on February 28, 2020. She was the elder surviving twin of Robert and Ann Hill.
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She was also the eldest of five children: sister to Bessie, and her two brothers, Douglas and Kenneth, and adopted brother, Kevin.
The family were living in a small community at The Forest on the Middle Arm Road.
Doreen was five years old when her family moved to Reynolds Street in North Goulburn.
She attended North Goulburn Primary School and then Goulburn High School.
There weren't many work opportunities for girls in those days, but she was employed as a domestic at boarding houses and later as a waitress at the Radnor Café, which in those days catered for many large events in Goulburn, as well as Rotary Club Meetings.
Although it was hard work, she enjoyed the events which took place and had lots of memories of the fun and laughter shared with her co-workers.
Doreen and Fred were married in 1941 and moved into a small semi-detached home on Bourke Street, which remained her only place of residence for the rest of her life.
They had four children, Judy, Denise, Merrell and Leigh.
Fred died on June 18, 1963 from heart failure, aged forty-five.
Doreen commenced work at Goulburn Base Hospital as a domestic and from there, she rose to become assistant supervisor with many responsibilities pertaining to the efficient running of the hospital.
She bought herself a Mazda 101 when she was 50 and drove the car into mid 80's.
Upon retirement, she played bowls for a few years and went on a few trips, which included Tasmania, New Zealand and Singapore.
Doreen suffered spinal injury which necessitated surgery in her eighties.
She could no longer play bowls but after giving up her licence and selling her car, she walked every day.
She always found a reason to go down the street as this stood her in good stead and kept her active and healthy.
Her life always centred around the wellbeing of her family.
The family weddings were of great importance and were a source of pride to her, as was the subsequent arrival of her grandchildren.
She loved the family gatherings and looked forward to every event, big or small.
She went into full time residential care at Warrigal in October last year, but unfortunately, her health continued to deteriorate and she passed away aged 102.
She is survived by her three daughters and son and their respective families.
She will always be loved and remembered.
- Contributed by her children Judy Bladwell, Denise Vitnell, Merrell Stubbs and Leigh McClelland.
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