continued to do so across a variety of jobs until retiring from full-time employment with the happy arrival of Cathy and Christopher .

“ Eric and I decided that the upbringing of our children came first , and I became a full-time housewife and mother ,” Dawn explained .

T ’ was a good move by Dawn and Eric because Cathy and Christopher have done their parents proud – being devoted and loving children and making their marks in life .

Catchy is a vastly experienced midwife while Christopher , who was in the banking sector for many years , now manages an electrical company .

Now , not for one moment think that Dawn Wells hoisted the white flag at the hard yakka following the birth of her children !

Look in the dictionary and you ’ ll see a photo of Dawn alongside “ volunteer ”.

Down the decades since , Dawn took on numerous voluntary roles as her children progressed through their educations .

During their entire schooldays at Riverstone Infants , Primary and High schools , Dawn was treasurer of the

Rivo Swimming Club as well as holding the same role with the Parents and Citizens at the three schools .

Both she and Eric toiled for 10 years delivering for Meals on Wheels – Eric doing the piloting and Dawn carrying the valued meals to clients .

She was also the assistant secretary and then treasurer of Riverstone Senior Citizens Club – a role she holds to this day .

After Eric was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1988 , she nursed him over the ensuing years at home , and as the cancer progressed , with the aid of palliative care .

“ Eric knew he was nearing the end when he , well , demanded I fulfil those two promises ,” said .

“ My knee had hampered my mobility for several years , but such was the enjoyment I got from playing golf with my friends I bit the bullet and soldiered on . “ But I wanted to be at his side as his health deteriorated so I put the clubs away for the last seven or eight months of his life to spend every precious moment with him .

Your writer is sure that those promises made by Dawn to Eric , in some little way , eased his anguish about leaving his beloved wife behind .

Newly-weds Dawn and Eric Wells sign the wedding register on the first day of their marriage , which lasted 67 years .

Please call Julie 0421 574 093 or 02 4588 5055

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