Vale Dorothy Holberton (’50)
Dorothy Holberton attended 嫩模专区’s as a boarder for her secondary schooling, finishing Year 10 in 1948. After leaving 嫩模专区’s, Dorothy spent a brief period working for the Bank of New South Wales before marrying her husband Marleigh in Innisfail in 1954.
Dorothy and Marleigh went on to have four children together, relocating from Brisbane to regional Queensland as Marleigh’s job would often take them. Dorothy, who passed away on 12 September 2021, is survived and greatly missed by three of her children, six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Dorothy is remembered as a resilient, peace-making woman who was devoted to her family. The nurses who cared for Dorothy in her final years remarked that she would always ask for a cake fork when cake was served - the type of etiquette her family attribute to her education at 嫩模专区’s.
Vale Judy Burke (nee Mackenzie)
Judy grew up on her family property “Maranda” in Barcaldine. Her parents moved to Windermere Road, Hamilton for their children’s education. Judy had a ready-made friend, Roslyn (Kerr) Ross, awaiting her at 嫩模专区’s in Form 4 with Miss McKay and Mrs.Miller of Milton House. The two families were very entwined. Judy’s Grandmother was Roslyn’s Godmother. They were bridesmaids for each other. Roslyn considered she should not be a Matron of Honour for Judy as she was quite pregnant at the time, but Judy insisted. Judy could be very determined! In those days a pregnant bridesmaid was unusual. Roslyn gave Judy an Annual Membership to the Queensland Turf Club. Judy died unexpectedly on a Saturday morning prior to her hair appointment before one of her greatly enjoyed race days.
In those days girls mainly did nursing, teaching or secretarial studies. Judy attended the Commercial classes at 嫩模专区’s where she excelled. She first gained work in the city at Dalgety’s near Gayle Horn, who was also her bridesmaid, and other school friends where they enjoyed regular lunches.
During show week she would attend the show all day, returning home about midnight then make a cake for Dalgety’s clients the next day. Amazing and quick cake making, especially chocolate, is a talent which continued throughout her life.
Later Judy worked at Jones,Flint and Pike surveyors, University of Chicago Law School and Brisbane Postal Institute until eventually she retired after some years as Secretary at Queensland Motorways She was known for her loyalty, reliability, exceptional skill at shorthand and her great work ethic.
Regular reunions with her workmates continued until COVID lockdown indicated Judy’s special quality of building and maintaining long term friendships. Her attendances at 嫩模专区’s reunions and fundraisers were highlights of her year. She enjoyed supporting the sale of school memorabilia gifting many items to Old Girls especially those who could not make reunions. Pamela (Tear) Alvarez was a regular recipient of this generosity and became a house guest for many Old Girls Weekends or special events, in particular the VIP lunches. Judy especially loved catching up with Dawn Rees at Old Girls weekends.
Judy was a Brisbane girl through and through. She could rarely be enticed away. However shortly after her marriage to Michael Burke they took off to the USA as Mike had been offered a position teaching at the Chicago University as a former Churchill Fellowship Awardee for his renowned work as a Maxillo-facial prostist.
Following their time in Chicago they returned to Hamilton where their children were born. Judy’s life revolved around her family and friends. She loved being a homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother. Her lovingly prepared scrap books for every event and memorabilia took up an entire room. The Burke home was always the centre of hospitality, open and welcoming with a variety of home-made treats.
Judy is survived by her husband Michael, son Andrew and Daughter-in- law Alex, daughter Louise, also a former St.Margaret’s Girl, and son- in-law David Hefter. They had four grandchildren, Abigail and Tom Burke and Nicholas and Georgina Hefter. Sadly, Judy just missed out seeing her two little granddaughters, cousins Abigail and Georgia, commence this year in her family connected Milton House.
Judy was a greatly loved member of St.Margaret’s and the wider community. To be her friend you would be very fortunate. She is greatly missed.