An elegant, loving country girl with an edge and a consummate role model
DULCIE Waters was a life-defining presence in the lives of her extended family.
Her ambitions were focussed on making them feel loved, valued and safe.
Charmaine Statham, her granddaughter by marriage, explained this by saying that for Dulcie, “the small things in life were the big things”.
“Nanna cared deeply for the people and places in her world and has left a legacy of service, love, and steadfast devotion.”
Grandson, Wade Statham, illustrated Dulcie’s value in his life by saying: “Every child needs a champion, that special someone who pulls up alongside you and helps you become the very best version of yourself. Grandma was my champion as her love, dedication and belief helped me be my personal best. To disappoint Grandma would have saddened me”.
Another grandson, Clinton Wood, illustrated the impact Dulcie had on his life by recalling a time when he was travelling and chanced to be in Kathmandu when a severe earthquake struck the city … “I remember it being a cold rainy night, the city was in ruins and all around me was devastation and destruction, earthquakes and explosions had rocked the city.
“It was the first time in my life I had felt scared. Unable to sleep on the streets of Kathmandu and unsure if I would see another sunrise, I sat underneath a small umbrella and contemplated those thoughts.
“It was then a young Nepalese man came to talk with me. He was observing me from a distance, watching me stare into the darkness and seeing a small smile that had crept across my face. With a hint of fear, he asked me one question: “What are you thinking about uncle?”
“Brother I’m thinking about my happy place, my safe place in my heart that when life becomes complicated I can always go there and feel like the world is going to be all okay.
“That’s what Nana and Father’s [his grandfather’s] love did for a young kid like me. It helped me understand that no matter where I am or what the world brings I was loved enough to see the light through all the darkness.
“Even though Father left us a long time ago, for me it was always Nana and Father. I don’t believe in luck or coincidence, Nana, Father and I and everyone … we’re meant to cross paths with the unconditional love to be found at 45 Lanefield Road. And I know our time together is what we were all searching for.”
Great grandson, Jackie Statham’s told those gathered at Dulcie’s funeral that as one generation passes on, it was important the rest of us honour their legacy.
“Reflecting on Nana’s values and how she led her life and asking whether we are straying too far from the path she laid out.
“There is beauty to be found in solitude and simplicity and value as well as meaning will come from the love you share with your family and the integrity and character you walk life with. “That’s how I will remember my great grandmother.
“As the elegant, loving country girl with an edge. As the consummate family role model and as a gifted cook who could never be spotted swapping her high heels out for flatties.
“Concerned to her final days over her dresses, shoes and appearance.
“Ninety is a hell of a knock and its typical of you Nana to retire before you broke your hero, The Don’s century.”
DULCIE Ida Waters, beloved wife of Allen, mother of two, grandmother of five, great grandmother of 15 and great great grandmother to four, was born to William and Mary Lund (nee Meier) on July 23, 1924 in their family home at Mount Mort.
She attended Mount Mort State School where she was a dedicated student who toiled on her homework after her farm and household chores.
During World War II, she was a plane spotter and was charged with the responsibility of reporting any suspicious activity in the air to her parents who would forward the information on to the RAAF through the telephone exchange that was based in their house.
Dulcie lived with her younger brother Mervyn (deceased) and parents and willingly helped on their property in any way she could. Her family worked hard but enjoyed life on the land. She remarked that her dad was strict, but always fair.
She met Allen at a country dance. They married in 1946. In time, they travelled to New Zealand, Cairns, Adelaide and Tasmania. Theirs was a blissful and simple union. They lived for each other and for their family.
Locally, their Summers were spent at Redcliffe, Coolangatta, and Labrador where they would enjoy fishing for whiting and crabs. The family would gather there on weekends to enjoy the sun, surf and each others’ company.
They became the parents of two daughters, Dianne and Barbara.
Dulcie’s devotion did not stop with her husband and children. As Charmaine commented: “In fact, that was just a warm up. When the grand kids arrived she went to another level!”
Friendship and community was also important to Dulcie. She loved helping to cater for fetes and special events as part of her membership of the Church of England Guild.
After Allen and Dulcie married they purchased a farm at Lanefield. Later, when they decided to sell the farm they moved to Rosewood and Allen worked in the mines and then later at the Ipswich Railway workshop until his retirement.
Allen passed away many years ago, and eventually, Dulcie decided to move into the Cabanda retirement home where she passed away on May 17, 2021.
And we turn to the eulogy given by Charmaine for the summing up of Dulcie’s life: “Nanna was a wonderful person who made everyone she knew, be that her close or extended family, friends or acquaintances feel loved and liked.
“She was a dedicated sports enthusiast, especially for the Broncos, cricket and tennis. Her cooking was renowned.
“Her lasting legacy though is love. Love through service, interest and devotion. She described herself as, ‘Very much a homebody – I lived for and loved my family, my home and my church’.”
