Much loved teacher, pianist and lifelong resident of Raymond Terrace, Pauline Myrtle Meredith nee Elkin, passed away peacefully on February 15 after succumbing to dementia.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
She had just turned 90.
Known fondly to so many as simply 'Mrs Meredith' she was a gifted musician, teacher and devout parishioner of St John's Anglican Church where she is to be farewelled on Tuesday, February 23.
Pauline was born on January 3, 1931 in Raymond Terrace, the town where she would spend almost the entirety of her life as a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
Her family described her as 'passionate about music, teaching, her church and of course, her family'.
'"Pauline grew up as an exceptionally gifted pianist and went on to study at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music," her granddaughter Kimberley Meredith wrote.
''She returned home, began her teaching career at Maitland Boys' High, married her love, Jim Meredith and had her two children, Peter and Wendy.''
According to her family, she went on to teach at Raymond Terrace Primary School for 28 years before retiring in 1998 the she 'continued to teach scripture for many years and, of course, give her afternoon piano lessons'.
She was an active member of the Raymond Terrace Lions Club, along with her husband Jim, as a Lions Lady until his death in 1994 and in her later years, enjoyed participating in Probus and View Club events and having a cup of tea with her friends after 'physical jerks'.
''Pauline was the organist at St John's Anglican Church for the better part of 70 years and played for many services, weddings and funerals; she was an active member of the Mother's Union and the St John's congregation."
Pauline lived her whole life in Raymond Terrace; she was delivered by Dr Meredith and spent her early years at her family home, 'Woodlands' in Adelaide Street before moving to 'Coonanbarra' when she married Jim.
It was only in the past five years, when she she was no longer able to care for herself, that she moved in with her son Peter and his family around the corner on the family farm.
Pauline passed away peacefully after succumbing to dementia at Calvary Care, Cessnock where she spent the last four months of her life.
"To many, she was Mrs Meredith, but to her family at home she was Mum and Grandma - kind, caring, supportive, ready with a slice and a cup of tea," according to Kimberley.
"We will miss her beyond words."
The funeral of Pauline Meredith will be held at St John's Anglican Church, Raymond Terrace on February 23 at 11am.
Those wishing to attend the funeral should register their intent by emailing paulines.service@gmail.com or contacting a family member by midday Monday, February 22.