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Frank and Madge Burke
Nimmitabel
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Frank and Madge Burke with their children |
FRANCES NOEL BURKE (1912- 1953)
Frank was born 19 July 1912. He was the third child of John Burke and Ellen Buckley, Other children to this family were Bill, Kitty, Annie and Daphne.All these children attended ST JOSEPHS SCHOOL NIMMITABEL For a period of time the family dairy farmed at Kogle’s Flat During that time they rode horses to school .Frank worked on Slavin’s Farm as a young man, and on the family property at Kogle’s Flat.
He met Madge White on a blind date, there was immediate attraction, and they were engaged in June and married in October 1934, while he was working at Clarry Burke’s sawmill. He also worked for Charlie Woodhouse, then Charlie Taylor, .During the 39-45 world war he serve on guard duty on Brown Mountain and at Blackhall After the war he worked for Martin Shelley at the Rock Flat Quarry. They lived in various houses in Nimmitabel, till settling in “Crana” Boyd Street.
Frank and Madge raised four children – Ethel, Kevin, Rosalie and Kathleen (Kathy)
Frank was killed in a mine accident at Rock Flat on 1 May 1953. He was only 41 years old. Madge was in residence at the Currawarna Aged Hostel in Bombala for the last few years until her death on 19/6/04
Ethel Married Jim Brien
Kelly Married Nancy Doggett
Rosalie Married Peter Alt
Kathy married Peter Crowley
Submitted by Rae Blyton <ianrae-at-ozemail-com-au>
BERTHA MADGE BURKE 29/2/16-19/6/04
Submitted by Rae Blyton <ianrae-at-ozemail-com-au>
Madge was born on 29th February 1916 in Mrs Bellchambers Maternity Hospital in Bombala. Her parents were Percy White and Leonore McCloud. Madge’s babyhood was spent at “The Wilderness” Mila. When Madge was about 3 years old, her father Percy bought “Greenbank” on the Kybeyan Road. The property was previously owned by John Evans, and until Madge was 8 years old, she was taught by Jack Evans’ sister May, who was a
governess.
In 1924 the family with children Madge, Mona, Edna and Laurie moved to town when Percy purchased “Crana” on the corner of Boyd Street. For the next 6 years Madge attended the Nimmitabel Public School, where she had the honour of being the first Dux of the school
In 1930 Madge’s mother Leonore died, and so she left school to look after her father, 2 sisters and 3 year old brother.
When Madge was 18, she was persuaded to go on a blind date arranged by her sister Edna. Madge has said it was love at first sight when she met Francis Noel Burke, or Frank as he was known. Their courtship was carried out under extreme difficulties, as her brother Laurie always wanted to tag along.
But….. In June 1934 Frank and Madge became engaged, and on 15 October 1934, they were married in St Andrew’s Church at 7pm in the evening. It had to be then, because Frank had to do the milking first. They lived in various houses in Nimmitabel, and in 1941, ‘Crana’ was purchased from her father and it remained the family home for the next forty years. Frank and Madge were very happy in their married life, they had four children Ethel, Kevin, Rosalee and Kathy. They
enjoyed family outings in their family car, which they called ‘The Butterbox’, and went for picnics and drives usually with some of the neighbour kids as well.
In 1953 Madge was dealt a bad blow when Frank was killed in a mining accident at Rock Flat. He was only 41. She overcame her grief and carried on providing security and a warm welcoming home for her children and their friends.
Madge loved books and instilled in her kids a love of reading, especially poetry. Most nights she’d sit in front of her big log fire, feet up the side of the fireplace, and she’d recite poetry and tell yarns to her kids and whoever else was there. She loved music and she loved to sing, there were lots of singalongs around the piano. Every one was welcome, and sometimes there would be a crowd. And the night always finished with
a lavish supper.
Many times there would be 30 young people present. That time in the 50s there was a large youth club, and at other times Kelly would bring home half the football team. Madge was often heard to call out in the morning ‘How many are here for breakfast’ It was always open house at Madge’s, no-one went short of a feed, or a bed for the night if they needed one.
Madge as an excellent cook and cake decorator, and gained prizes for her knitting and needlework at the annual show. She was also very active in the BNA, CWA Red Cross, and church functions.
Madge especially loved cards, and many a ‘Poker’ night was held at ‘Crana’. She was a keen euchre and 500 player and was still a pretty sharp player up to a few years ago.
Madge was always young at heart – she could join in the fun with the young ones and she could tell amazing stories. Madge was a good listener.
Not long after Currawarna opened in Bombala, Madge asked Fr Pierse to enrol her at the Hostel, her health wasn’t the best, and she didn’t want the family to worry about her living on her own.
Her grandchildren and great grandchildren adored her, and at her 88th birthday celebration, she was in her glory when her seven grandchildren and her eleven great grandchildren gathered around her.
She’s been a much loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother to her family, and her extended family.
Madge leaves behind memories of her love, wisdom and understanding, her capacity to see the funny side of things and her quick wit.
There is a sense of the end of an era, but the happiness of a full and rewarding life will live on for the generations to come.
Monaro
Pioneers