Vi Rathbone: A life well lived

FORMER Warner Beach resident, Vi Rathbone, a well-loved and familiar figure in the community, died peacefully in Australia on Friday, 28 March.

She was born in Melbourne on 23 February, 1928 to Sydney and Myrtle Thompson.

The family later moved to Cairns, leaving to settle in South Africa in 1934 when Vi was six-years-old. Vi still had vivid memories of the Great Barrier Reef and remembered playing on the beach with her wooden bucket and spade.

Her parents and sister Daisy sailed to Durban on the Themistocles and settled in Johannesburg.

Her daughter, Marlene Howes recalls: “Mom sometimes talked about those difficult post-Depression years and the constant hunger and cold she experienced. I sometimes wonder if her great love of feeding people stemmed from those lean and hungry years. Vi’s roast dinners and sponge cakes were legendary and her many friends and colleagues will remember her for her caring and compassion, always finding the time to visit with a freshly baked cake and some encouraging words.”

“I shall have to quote from her friend Audrey who said: What about those cakes? Lightest of light, spongiest of spongy, most delicious and most welcome. Delivered to the door for all sorts of special occasions, happy and sad. Fresh, fresh, fresh and always remembered by the whole family as the best thing to pass the lips of the receiver. Jam in the middle and a dusting of icing sugar on top. Such a busy lady who always managed to do the kind and generous thing at the right time.”

Vi finished her schooling in Johannesburg and completed her teaching diploma at the Johannesburg College of Education before commencing her teaching contract in the city. On a holiday to Isipingo Beach during this time, she met Dennis and they commenced a three-year courtship by correspondence, finally marrying in 1951 and thereafter five children, Alan, Marlene, Merle, Michael and Brian followed in rapid succession.

Vi recommenced teaching at the Isipingo Beach Government School when Brian was nine-months old and moved to Warner Beach Junior Primary School in 1964. “Although she said that these years raising a large family and teaching were difficult, this was always offset by the immense fulfilment she got out of her profession. In later years, if asked what she felt her greatest achievement had been, she would say ‘teaching children how to read’.”

“She soon went on to become the principal of Warner Beach Junior Primary School. As a teacher she was dedicated and caring and she endeared herself to so many of her pupils. As a principal she was to nurture her teachers with her characteristic concern, kindness and desire to help people reach their full potential, forging enduring friendships with many of them. Her ability to focus her undivided attention on whoever she was interacting with and her refusal to judge people were to make all who came in contact with her feel special.”

Vi was also full of fun and laughter. Her staff will be able to recall hilarious episodes at school galas and other functions, in which she was always game to dress up and have fun. “She was the inspiration for many a verse or ditty from staff over the years. We’ve kept them all.”

In 1988 Vi retired to spend time with Dennis and to do some of the travelling that she’d always longed to do. She became active in Kingsburgh Child Welfare, St Winifreds Methodist Church, activities with friends as well as spending time with children and her beloved grandchildren. These many community activities were to sustain her after Dennis died.

At the age of 79 Vi decided to return to the country of her birth and she faced the immense trauma and sadness of leaving her close friends and community with characteristic courage, determined to be closer to her family in Australia and New Zealand. Her last seven years were spent in Brisbane and Bellingen where, in characteristic ‘Violet’ fashion she threw herself into all that was on offer, endearing herself to all her fellow residents, firmly establishing herself as a local and patronising the local cafes where she was always warmly greeted and fussed over.

“Vi confronted her last days on Earth with humour and courage. Her cheeky comments and asides helped us to laugh, despite the sadness at her leaving and we are so thankful for the all-encompassing love that she so readily bestowed on us and all who knew her. I quote from my cousin Annie, who wrote: Knowing your mum was an inspiration that led me to teaching. I can still hear her infectious laughter in my ears and see those sparkling eyes that showed so much kindness towards all who crossed her path.”

There is so much more to Vi’s life than these few words but everyone will have their own special memories of her that they will be able to recount. She certainly touched us all. Rest in peace dear mom.”

Vi is survived by five children, 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.