Dum

This is Keith and Barry's mother, Dorothy. This photo was taken in 1987, a few months before her passing on October 19. She was born in Boort, Victoria, Australia on March 3, 1903. One of her grandsons, Richard (that's me), married a young woman, Laura, who shares Dorothy's birthday. When Janny (Pah's eldest child) was small, she could not pronounce 'Grandma', and what came out was 'Dumah'. This name stuck, sometimes shortened to 'Dum'. Her name had nothing to do with her intellect, though. She loved to read and was a bright, engaging woman. She lived many years in Mackay as well as Toowoomba. She was living in Oakey when she passed away. She was kind to her grandchildren and to others. She loved cats and gardening. Her vegetable patch in Toowoomba (on South Street, close to Hume, heading towards the Range) was first class. Orderly, productive and a wonderous place for little ones to play. Rich remembers her love and gentleness. On one occasion she spent half a day creating dice out of small pieces of wood, that she wittled, fashioned and painted so we could play a board game one Christmas holiday. Her kitchen was always clean, warm and well stocked. Delicious roast meat with vegetables on a cold, rainy day was a special time with Dum. The fact that both her boys are so kind, gentle and good speaks volumes about Dum's depth of character and strength, to raise them both so well, without the support of a husband.