Memories of our Maureen
The life of former Moran Kellyville resident , Maureen Tarrant , was recently honoured with the opening of a memorial garden on the grounds of the home , reflecting Maureen ’ s lifelong passion for beautiful gardens .
A jacaranda tree , planted by Maureen ’ s family on her birthday , is a colourful feature in the garden . Her family have kindly agreed to share her story .
Maureen had many talents , a skilled seamstress , photographer , cake decorator and knitter , she enjoyed cross-stitch , macrame , pottery , painting , drawing , lead
Maureen aged 17 . lighting , furniture restoration and French polishing .
She shared a passion for rugby league with her life-long best friend Kay , and together they attended many Parramatta Eels games even enjoying front row seats at the 2009 Grand Final !
Maureen loved all types of travel , with her sisters , friends and other family members who joined her on trips far and wide including Lord Howe Island , Perth , cruises around the Pacific and snorkelling at remote locations , Hawaii , USA , Canada , Alaska and Japan .
From a young age , Maureen was a practical and resourceful person , a steadying force that others could rely on . She grew up in post-war Sydney as one of four children to mother Lillian , who was a nurse and father Lionel Freeman , who was a WWII soldier .
The family moved around following the war , first living at the Freeman family home opposite Victoria Barracks in Paddington then at Hargrave Park Liverpool , an army camp turned rough and tumble housing for returned soldiers and their families . They settled in Yagoona where Maureen recalls many happy memories from growing up with her siblings , Rex , Patricia and Riki .
After dating for a few years , Maureen married Raymond Tarrant at the Bass Hill Methodist Church . They went on to buy their dream home in Seven Hills and have three children , Leanne , Cherie and Phillip . Maureen always put others before herself and created a happy , steady environment for her children , who attribute their own practical approach to life to the examples set by their mother . While the children were young , ever-practical Maureen started a family day-care business from home , to help make ends meet .
She was an active committee member of Blacktown Swimming Club , organising club activities , swim meets and functions , even designing swimming uniforms for the club and caps for the Royal Lifesaving Club . She forged many longterm friendships during this time .
After her children began school , Maureen followed her passion for photography . Her career in the photography industry started at William Tell Photographers in Wentworthville , developing and touching up photographs , including many wedding photos .
During her career , she worked as a studio manager and photographer , taking photographs at events and on weekends at the Major Oak Theatre Restaurant in St Marys . Following retirement , she continued weekend work until her mobility deteriorated due to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy , a rare brain disorder that causes problems with movement , walking , balance and eye movement .
Maureen on one of her many family destinations , Hawaii .
Maureen originally moved to Moran Kellyville for respite care but soon decided to stay permanently after falling in love with the home ’ s Woodlands Prestige Suites and the gardens outside her room , now the location of Maureen ’ s jacaranda .
Moran Kellyville offers respite and permanent care in a modern homely environment .
To find out more about how you can join this friendly community , call 9881 4222 , visit the website www . morangroup . com . au or visit the Moran Aged Care Facebook page .
22 ISSUE 80 // FEBRUARY 2022 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT