By Alva “Bobbie” Davies

A very jolly lady with a great sense of fun. An excellent cook. Mary’s maiden name was Lauder, a name anglicised from Laudehr on 17th October 1917 by deed poll.

Early Life

Mary was born in Warburton on 13/12/1904. Her Father was George Frankston Lauder, and her mother was Mary Lauder (nee Styles). It is believed that her father was running a timber mill at Warburton when Mary was born.

Education

Mary was educated at various State Schools it is believed, (one of them being Yarra Park near the Melbourne Cricket Ground, then commenced Presbyterian Ladies’ College in 1920 . Here she obtained her Intermediate certificate Class A in 1922; then a 1st class certificate; then 3rd class certificate in Form 5c. Then 3rd class certificate in Form 6.

Mary was very good with figures. She studied elocution at college, and performed very well when asked to quote poems on stage. She also studied piano, but did not seem very interested in playing in later life. She won two rare-looking copies of Shakespeare’s complete works for proficiency in physics. These are still in the family today. Her musical and mathematical abilities were not evident to her family as she demonstrated no interest in such pursuits as an adult. She was just happy to cook and laugh.

Employment

Mary did not work for anyone else but her father when he was an estate agent in Yarraville. Nevertheless, being very sharp, she would have been a great asset in any office position. As she was the only girl in the family, it is assumed that she helped her mother with home duties.

Marriage and Family

Mary lived with her family at Old Warburton, West Warburton, Crt. and at Waverley Rd., Hawthorn, whilst her parents were overseas before the first world war, then 14 Jolimont St. Jolimont, and Turner Street whilst her parents were overseas before the first world war then 3 Chadwell Lane for the rest of her life.

Mary married William James Davies on 3/8/1929 at East Melbourne. Bill came from Tipton, England. They lived mostly at Chelsea and Jolimont, and exclusively at 3 Chadwell Lane Chelsea from about 1930.

Mary was about 5'4" with hazel eyes, black hair, complexion fair, and—in later years—was of heavy build.

Mary took an active interest in most of the children's pursuits. She was treasurer of the State School Mothers Club, and ran a card night for many years at the Congregational Hall at Chelsea, for charity. She was an excellent card player. She had the knack of making all who visited her home very welcome and at ease. The house was a very happy one.

Mary came from a large family. Her brothers were:

—George William Lauder (M. Laura Webb (two children)
—Irene May (died as baby)
—Horace Henry Lauder (M. Annie Purcell (no children)
—Harold Frankston Lauder (M. Elsie Townsend (3 children (Div); M: Mabel McFadyan (3 children)
—John Robert Lauder (M. Beatrice Breeze (no children) Div.) (M: Dorothy ? (1 child)
—Frank Wilton Lauder (M. Edith Darvell (1 child).

Mary's nieces and nephews -

—Ivy May Lauder Never married
—Violet Emily Lauder Never married
—John William Lauder M. Zoe ?
—Leonard Townsend Lauder M.
—Harry Douglas Lauder M. Mary Hall.
—Thomas Frankston Lauder M. Coral.
—Robert Lauder M. Lynda
—Margaret Lauder M. Charles Cook.
—Judith Lauder M. Barry ? Div.1
—James (“Bill”) Wilton Lauder M. Gwendoline McNaught (2 children)

Mary died on Remembrance Day, 11th November 1981, at Prahran Hospital after falling ill. She died of a ruptured bowel and septicaemia, after an operation for the removal of two hernias. She was 76. She was cremated at Springvale.