Dulcie Jean O'Shea, known as Jean, was born on March 5th at Young. Her parents were Lucy and Henry Hall, and she had two brothers, Arthur and Charlie, and one sister, Flo. 



From an early age she was used to hard work, helping her parents on their farm, and she well remembered the difficult years of the war and the depression.



After leaving home, Jean worked mainly as a cook on homesteads and in pubs, She met and married Jim O'Shea, and when asked how they met, she would often reply 'I won him in a bet' 



Their marriage was blessed by Carole, Sue, Mick, Sam and Debbie.



Jim was a shift worker and Jean was a loyal and loving wife who kept the family together. When Jim came home from work, there was always a home cooked meal, and companionship.



One of the joys of the family were the holidays they spent together. Jim worked very hard, but each year there was a family holiday, firstly camping in a tent, and later a caravan. When Jim retired, he and Jean continued their hloidays in the van, travelling to all parts of Australia.



Jean's pride and joy were her grandchildren - Mark, Belinda, Steven, Mallory, Ceylan, Sarah, Matty and Kyle, and her great-grandchildren, Amanda and Stephanie.



When the children left school, Jean joined the CWA (Country Womens Association). She was a keen and energetic worker, giving of her time in helping others. The CWA offered her the opportunity to demonstrate her skills at cooking and needlework..



Jean was a founding member of the Springdale Heights Neighbourhood House, and she served these organisations with great distinction. She was nominated for citizen of the year for her efforts.



When Jean became ill with cancer, she never complained, and with stoic courage carried on, always looking on the bright side. She passed away in the loving care of her family.



Jean was a lady; gracious and kind, who held sacred the old fashioned views of sincerity, endeavor, honesty and commitment. She was a woman of simple tastes, not to be fussed over, not to be praised, she would rather give than recieve. She lived an interesting and meaningful life and unselfishly gave of her heart, mind and ability in the interests of others.



She was a woman who breathed life, love, example and value into everything she did - her creative beauty with her hands, her community and her family. Her warm and dignified personality drew others to her, and she liked nothing better than having her family around her..



For Jean was the strength, the substance, and the spirit of her family.