Essence of a Community Spirit – Elaine de Mamiel
Although tiny in stature the immensity of her spirit and her fondness for Queanbeyan is infinite. She was born at the family home where she still resides today, on the 8th of March 1929 named Elaine Morton. Her family were very early residents of Queanbeyan. Her great Uncle Dr Andrew Morton arriving in Queanbeyan as the doctor, finding the position filled occupied the position of Queanbeyan’s first school teacher. Her Grandfather George Nairn Morton along with her father were very proud of their town and were prominent in business, service clubs, emergency services and community development. Elaine obviously inherited these wonderful attributes and has been and still continues to be a delightful member of the community of Queanbeyan.
Being the well organised and prepared person she is, she recently wrote her obituary. When asked why she was doing this she said “I don’t wish to inconvenience, besides I want written what I wish to be said,” she replied with a mischievous laugh. Once written she provided the family with a copy. A truly admirable character who claims to be neither famous nor achieved notoriety of any sort. Yet what she has experienced and achieved in her lifetime and continues to do is worthy of recognition and sharing.
She portrays the very essence of a life well lived... A daughter, granddaughter, cousin, young teenager, student, adult, aunt, cousin, friend, wonderful wife, excellent mother & mother-in-law, loving grandmother and now a very proud great grandmother. She has experienced and observed massive changes and developments in her lifetime, witnessing some unfortunate events and experiencing many joyous occasions. She has perceived the effects of World War 2, the depression, and welcomed the many cultures who contributed to and embraced Queanbeyan as their new home. Also beholding the many wonderful changes within the Queanbeyan community with enthusiasm.
The love of her community has always been evident and paramount in the community events she has contributed to, the many service and social clubs she has been involved in, where she has held numerous official positions. Her passion for education and in particular reading has shone through where she has been involved with teaching her children, grandchildren and as a volunteer assisting school children to read. On many occasions she has been interviewed by school children, members of the historical society and simply just people interested on hearing her stories of the history of Queanbeyan. I might add she absolutely revels in this practise both sharing hers and others take on their lives growing up and living in Queanbeyan. Her knowledge and stories are beyond comprehension, filled with facts, anecdotes’ and laughter. Her love for Queanbeyan is apparent in the fact that we have suggested that she moves to the coast with us. Her response “I was born in Queanbeyan and intend to die in Queanbeyan, until then I shall enjoy living in Queanbeyan.”
Her face is like the rings of a tree the very small amount of lines on her face reveal the lived experiences and her eyes reflect mischief, resilience and joy. A gracious yet humble character living life with integrity and kindness.
She was born Elaine Morton and lives today as Elaine deMamiel.
(nomination received via email)