General News
21 October, 2024
Century of kindness and staying active
Muriel (Phyllis) Smith was born in Paddington, Sydney, on October 2 1923 to William Alfred Smith and Jessie Mack Reid-Smith.
Phyllis had three younger sisters: Joyce, Norma and Melva (all now deceased).
Times were tough during the Great Depression and after the family lost their home they moved to Stanwell Park, where they lived in a tent for about three years before returning to Paddington and residing there for the next 20 years.
Phyllis had the opportunity in her youth to walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge with her friends when it was opened in March 1932 by Lord Baden Powell.
At the age of 14 Phyllis started working as a dressmaker at the Snowball's Factory.
Phyllis had lots of friends who she had kept in contact with her whole life.
During World War II the girls at the factory worked long hours making military uniforms as well as normal clothes.
Some of the girls would put notes in the pockets of the uniforms and in turn receive replies from the army men (it is unclear if Phyllis was one of these women).
Phyllis and her friends were part of the celebration, dancing in the streets, the end of World War II was announdced.
Phyllis met Eric Ferguson, who was from Batchia.
Eric was on leave in Sydney during World War II.
Phyllis was ice-skating and fell over.
Eric went to the rescue and picked her up.
They fell in love and married on September 2 1944.
After a few years they decided to return to Warracknabeal to start a new life together.
In 1948 they purchased a house in Shank Street for £350.
Phyllis began working as a housekeeper when she moved to Warracknabeal.
Eric's brother helped them to eventually build a new house on this block.
Phyllis remained living in this house her whole life.
Daughter Carol had moved back in to the family home just under three years ago to help attend to her mother's care.
Phyllis died peacefully at her home on July 30 this year.
Phyllis and Eric had two daughters, Susan and Carol.
Phyllis - also known as Nan Ferg - had four grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.
Phyllis was loved by many.
Eric died in 2001 and Phyllis decided it was time to do some traveling.
She travelled to many places, normally with a tour group, including Broken Hill, King Island, Uluru and Norfolk Island.
The highlight of her travelling was when she went on a trip to China with Carol and Sue.
Phyllis had the opportunity to walk part of the Great Wall of China during this trip.
She had a passion for knitting and loved to knit baby clothes, jumpers, scarves, blankets and toys for her grandchildren.
Phyllis also knitted dolls clothes, dog coats and beanies.
She also loved knitting for the hospitals and Samaritan's Purse, where the items would go into shoeboxes and be sent overseas to underprivileged children.
Phyllis loved dancing.
She encouraged both her daughters to learn highland dancing and she loved the Scottish bagpipes.
Later in life she continued to encourage her great-grandchildren to dance and attended many dance lessons and concerts with them.
Every child at dance lessons loved Nana Ferg.
She was known as the lady with Black and Gold lolly snakes and green cordial - God forbid she didn't bring any.
Phyllis loved animals.
She would walk at least twice a day with her dogs - it was good for fitness, she used to tell her family.
Phyllis loved her garden, the fishpond being the highlight, spending hours outside whether it was hot or cold.
Phyllis's mobility declined in recent years but that didn't stop her going out in her wheelchair daily to visit Moses the cat, the community garden and Lions Park and to shop in the community.
It didn't matter whether it was rain or shine, she didn't like to miss her daily walks.
Another highlight for Phyllis was turning 100 last year, receiving many 100th birthday cards and a very special one from King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Even though all her life she had wanted it to be from Queen Elizabeth, she was still very excited.
The welcomes into Phyllis's home was always a smile and "Would you like a cup of tea, a green cordial or a biscuit?"
If the visitor was lucky enough she would throw in an icy- pole or Malteses.
Phyllis never complained, lived a simple life,and loved her family and everyone she met.
Phyllis' secret to a good life was to keep busy, take the dog for a walk around the block and get some fresh air.