Hopwood, Marjorie ‘Mardie’ (Smith)

Buried with ashes of Thomas ‘Taipan’ Smith (husband)

View Funeral Service Leaflet

“WELCOME;

We are here to celebrate the life of our beloved mother, mother in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, aunty and friend …Marjorie Smith.

Mardie was born in Muttaburra on the 11th December 1925 being the 5th of 8 children of Caroline and William Hopwood.

At the early age of 14 she commenced employment at Dalmore Station as a house maid and then later at the Exchange Hotel where she caught the eye of a city boy Thomas Smith who she then later wed in 1946.

From this union there were eight children … 6 boys and 2 girls – Jeffrey, Maureen, Keith, Leonard, Raymond, Brenda, Daniel and Christopher.

Mardie’s legacy is carried on by her …
26 grandchildren & 29 great grandchildren.

Mardie was always willing to give of her time to help support any community organization even though she held full time employment at the Muttaburra Hospital as a domestic and then later years the cook.

She continued to work at the hospital for over 20 years.

On her retirement she moved to Hervey Bay with Tommy where their relationship blossomed until he became terminally ill and it became necessary for them to return home to Muttaburra for the valued love and support of Maureen and Rodney.

After the passing of her much loved husband, Maureen and Rodney continued to care for their mother with empathy and compassion until such time professional care was needed for Mardie’s well being. Thank you Maureen and Rodney.

Mardie resided at the Pioneer Nursing Home in Longreach where she kept the staff on their toes and shared lots of love and laughter. Here she was known as “MARGIE”.

During her 83 years she had to contend with many trials and tribulations, one of which she had to make a heart-wrenching decision to send Jeffrey and Raymond away to school in Brisbane at the tender ages of 4 & 5 years due to their hearing affliction. In the eyes of many this was the wrong thing to do, but due to the boys achievements this was the best decision.

Mardie’s family have many fond recollections of their mother over the years that they would like to share with you …

On of which Len recalls, is the time watching his Mum & Dad walking down the jetty at Hervey Bay holding hands.

They have all experienced trying to sneak into the house but before they managed to get one foot on the squeaky floor boards they would be greeted by a concerned Mum wanting to know where they had been.

Mardie was the General .. she provided to the EXTREME, called the shots and made sure that all the best plans came to fruition.

She worked hard to ensure that all the troops were fed and also provided for Tom and the kids unexpected visitors.

Washing was a continual chore for Mardie especially on Friday nights when Tom and the boys would come in from the sheds with their weeks supply of dirty dungarees and swags. They were always ready by lunch time Sunday for them to go back out to work.

One of the simple pleasures Mardie enjoyed was to be pampered by any of the kids brushing her hair or setting it in curlers – she could sit for hours!

When Raymond came home on holidays, she thought she had her own personal hairdresser and felt very special.

The other members of the family would like to extend their appreciation to Maureen and Brenda for the love and devotion they gave to our Mum in her ailing years.

A special thanks to Melanie for her support and care she showed towards her grandmother in any time of need. Special thanks also to Melanie and Steve for providing an open house when any of us were visiting mum.

To my wife and her family I would like to express my condolences on the loss of their mother.
I am sure their memories will remain in their hearts and be cherished forever.”
– Eulogy
Read by Gordon Wyton (Son-in-law)

“As a grandchild growing up our grandparents home was always one full of excitement, joy, happiness and memories that will never fade.

Memories of strolling down the esplanade in Hervey Bay getting ice creams at Tummies Corner or walking out to the grand old jetty trying to catch some fish to take back home for Nana to cook us dinner.

However one memory that never leaves our minds was Nana Smith’s kitchen and that famous mulberry pie.
It would always be a great delight to go and visit Nana and Pop as you would be bound to get sweets. But .. only of course once you ate all of your meal!

A lesson Becky remembers, learning the hard way when she missed out on her mulberry pie the night that Nana tried to feed her sheep’s brain mixed in with some mash potato.

A quick apology Nana from Troy and myself for all the broken wooden spoons, which helped us to grow into the fine young gentlemen we are today.

Nana, they certainly don’t make women like they used too. And for this you’ll always be remembered as a woman of strength and courage with the power to keep fighting to the end!”
– Eulogy
Read by Michael Wyton (Grandson)