FatherCecil Roy Williams b. 1 Apr 1897, d. 2 Jul 1956
MotherAnnie Veronica O'Connell b. 20 May 1906, d. 30 Aug 1994
Pedigree

Birth, Death, Marriage

Valma Ellen Williams was born on 29 January 1930 in Mooroopna, Victoria.1 
She died on 24 March 2023 in Shepparton, Victoria, at age 93.2,3 
ChartsLarsen, Laust, descendant chart
Milovitch, Thomas, descendant chart
O'Connell, Michael, descendant chart
Williams, John, descendant chart

Story

Valma Ellen was born at St Luke's private hospital in Mooroopna on 29 January 1930. She was the second child of Annie and Roy. She was known as Val.1,2
 
Val said it was over 100°F for the first nine days of her life.4
 
Val was baptised at St Brendan's church in Shepparton on 2 March. She had Daisy Gallagher as godparent.5
 
On 13 March 1930, Roy signed a statutary declaration stating that he 'conscientiously believes that vaccination would be prejudicial to the health of (Valma)'.6
 
MOOROOPNA QUEEN COMPETITION DECIDED
Kialla Queen Crowned at Impressive Ceremony
The months of work of the five Mooroopna queens was brought to a magnificent conclusion last night, when before a crowded audience in the Mooroopna Public Hall, His Lordship the Bishop of Sandhurst crowned Miss Elizabeth Kennedy, queen of Kialla, as queen of the parish. The total sum raised for the Roman Catholic Church - the sponsors of the competition - was £1,177, of which the successful candidate raised £353/11/10.
...
Queen of Goulburn (Miss Kath Price) - Train Bearers... Val Williams ... Guard of Honour: ... Lorraine Williams. [Mar 1936]7
 
On Assumption day in August 1937, Val received her First Holy Communion at St Mary's church in Mooroopna.
Childhood 
By January 1930 when Val was born, the family was at the home in Echuca Rd (later 37 Echuca Rd) where Lorraine, Val and Leon grew up. Leon was a late arrival with sisters Lorraine aged twelve and Val nine.1,8,9
Lorraine, Val & Annie Williams, c. 1931
Image: Val Williams
Lorraine, Leon & Val Williams, c. 1941
Image: Val Williams
The family home was across a paddock from where Roy's parents and brother Frank lived in an old homestead house (later 27 Echuca Rd) closer to the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve.9,8
Annie Williams (O'Connell) with Lorraine and probably Val, Echuca Rd, Mooroopna, c. 1932
Image: Val Williams
Home of Roy & Annie Williams (O'Connell), Echuca Rd, Mooroopna, 1930s
Image: Val Williams
Echuca Rd, Mooroopna, c. 1950s
Image: Kaz Corbo
In the house, a copper used for the laundry was also heated once a week for baths. Later, they had a wood chip heater in the bathroom. In winter the family lived mostly in a big kitchen where the wood fire kept them warm. On hot summer nights, they slept on the lawn with cow pats burning to keep mosquitoes away.

With no TV, they listened to the wireless, played cards or joined in a singalong to music from their pianola.

Roy made toys and other things, like a wooden replica of the Queen Mary and the pedal car in the photo.10,11
Val & Lorraine Williams with Elma Eggerstat in the car Roy re-built from one originally from Bob Jamieson, c. 1931
Image: Val Williams
Val helped for a time at her father's butcher shop in Main St. She tells of heading to the slaughter yards with her Uncle Frank, gutting the sheep for the sausage skins then returning to the butcher shop via horse and dray with the meat under a tarpaulin.12
 
The property had cattle and sheep for Roy and his father's butcher shop. There were work horses, trotting horses, cows for milk and chickens for eggs. The family grew their own vegies and some fruit.

While camping, Roy would collect animals, usually due to injured parents, and take them home. So the Echuca Rd house always had native animals, including a kangaroo, koala, and many different birds in a big aviary.

The family also had pet dogs, cats and rabbits. And a cockatoo Lorraine said would screech 'Shut the bloody gate!' and could call and whistle up the dogs.

Before Leon was born, the family went camping every April. They'd go to places like Mt Buller, Jamieson and Cann River, wherever the trout fishing was good.13,11
Annie (O'Connell), Roy, Lorraine & Val Williams, c. 1933
Image: Val Williams
Annie, Val & Lorraine Williams camping, the car is a Swift
Image: Val Williams
Doorway: Annie Williams & unknown; front: unknown, Lorraine Williams, Val Williams (in gumboots), others unknown the car is a Swift
Image: Val Williams
Main St House
By 1947, Roy had sold the butcher shop, and in January 1948 the family moved to a brick house at 97 Main St.

Barry Reid had originally built the house for Mrs Kearney.

The Echuca Rd house was sold in March 1948.8,14,15,16
Williams family home, 97 Main St, Mooroopna, 1949
Image: Val Williams
Home of Roy & Annie Williams, Main St, Mooroopna
Image: Val Williams
Several of Roy's and Annie's siblings left Mooroopna. But there were many return visits, and their Echuca Rd or Main St homes became the focal point.

Some visits even made the newspapers. Annie's brother Mick and his family were regular visitors. And when any of Roy and Annie's family were passing through Melbourne, they'd often drop in to see Mick and Myra.17,18,2
 
Lorraine, Val and Leon had plenty of contact with their extended family, especially Auntie Bub. Now separated from Frank, she ran the Cricketers Arms Hotel just across the road in Mooroopna and the family often had tea there. Bub later ran the Junction Hotel in Toolamba for 13 years, and Leon fondly recalls the family going there for tea on Sundays.19,20
 
Annie, Lorraine and Val Williams often visited 'Auntie Phil' (nee O'Connell) and Bob Sinclair who lived in Princes St, Seddon (near Yarraville).14
 
Sisters Nell Bazley and Annie Williams raised families about 170 km apart, but visits were common. When Roy, Annie, Lorraine, Val or Leon stayed in Melbourne it was at Bob and Nell's place in Strathmore. And when Bob, Nell or Ailsa visited Mooroopna, they stayed with Roy and Annie.21,2,22
 
Violin
Val once learnt to play the violin, and her sister, the piano.23,24
 
Education
Most of Val's primary education was at St Mary's in Mooroopna.
Lorraine Williams (back row, right), Val Williams (front standing row, fourth from right), St Marys, Mooroopna, c. 1936
Image: Val Williams
After winning a junior scholarship, she decided to attend Sacred Heart college in Shepparton.

VALMA Williams, daughter of Mr and Mrs Roy Williams, of Echuca road, Mooroopna, is receiving congratulations on winning a junior scholarship to any public school, and has decided to attend the Sacred Heart College, at Shepparton. [Mar 1944]25

 
In her first year at St Brendan's she was awarded the Proficiency certificate.26
 
For her Intermediate year in 1945, Val recorded passes in English Literature, Geography, Drawing, General Science, Commercial Principles and Arithmetic.14,27
 
In her late 30s, Val completed her Higher School Certificate (HSC) with passes in English, Geography and Australian History 1788-1950. This led to a promotion.28
 
Lorraine And Val At Mooroopna Weddings
Lorraine and Val were sometimes called on to be part of weddings at St Mary's.29,30
Lorraine Williams (2nd left), Val Williams (2nd right), Mary Budd (later Williams) flower girl left, O'Brien sisters wedding, St Mary's Mooroopna, Apr 1947
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Lorraine Williams bridesmaid right, Val Williams third from right, Joan (Gawne) wedding, St Mary's Mooroopna, Jun 1947
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
PMG And Telecom
In 1946, with her good Intermediate results, Val joined the PMG (Post-Master General, later Telecom) as temporary, working in Mooroopna.

She was made permanent in 1947. In her letter of appointment she held the position of Telephonist (F), Fourth Division at Mooroopna with a salary of £84-£148. She was required to:
Report asap to Postmaster, Shepparton. Required to undergo three weeks training at Shepparton before taking over full switchboard duties.28,14

Mooroopna Post Office Staff: Miss B Handley, Messrs N Beaton, JW Layther (Postmaster), E Richardson, Miss V Williams, Mr K Wilson; May 1951
Image: Weekly Times
Vera 'Pop' Hoban (left), Val Williams (right), Mooroopna Post Office staff
Image: Val Williams
In 1948, Val joined the Commonwealth Telephone Officers' Association, later the Commonwealth Telephone & Phonogram Officers' Association. She was also a member of the Post-Tel Institute. She was an active member of the associations and PMG/Telecom generally. She retained letters from the association and PMG/Telecom thanking her for her comments and suggestions. A letter from the Shepparton OIC of the Commonwealth Telephone & Phonogram Officers' Association stated:
Thank you for your interest in forwarding your comments on staff assessments, it does my heart good to know that someone reads the 'Echo' and further that someone cares.

Val was awarded life membership of the Shepparton branch of the Australian Post-Tel Institute in April 1976.

In late 1952 and early 1953, Val did a series of Monitor exams. She was then promoted from Telephonist 4th division, Mooroopna to Monitor 4th division, Benalla, with a subsequent pay increase.

In 1955, she did Supervisor exams and in June 1956 was offered a promotion from Monitor 4th division, Benalla to Supervisor 4th division, Benalla (Travelling). Unfortunately her father got sick and she turned the offer down. Instead, she worked out of the Shepparton office as supervisor. At Shepparton, she met Betty (later Walters) and they became close friends.

Val took part in social events and was part of the winning team in a statewide quiz competition.28,14,31
Elaine Thorpe, Val Williams, Nola Carroll, Ray Miller (acting PM), Beverley Shield(s) and Ruth Hamilton: presentation of the Victorian Telephonists' Quiz Championship Shield to the Shepparton Team, winners, 1959
Image: Val Williams
In late February 1962, Val went to Benalla as supervisor. A week later, she appeared in the local newspaper.

PHONE CRITICS HAVE HURT THESE GIRLS

Twenty-three girls work in the Benalla Telephone Exchange. They have felt keenly the criticism of the service voiced at the quarterly meeting of the Benalla Chamber of Commerce.
...
Miss Val Williams was in charge. She came from Shepparton last weekend as relief for Miss Clemann, who is on recreational leave. This is what she had to say:
"I can tell you these girls are working under difficulties. We have five who have been with us for less than three months, which fact throws a pretty burden on the more experienced girls."

"But notice that?" Miss Williams said. And she nodded to one girl whose board had suddenly and miraculously cleared of the flex lines, and who was helping another.

"They all endeavour to assist the younger ones in addition to doing their own duties," Miss Williams said.
... [Mar 1962]31,28

Manual Assistance Centre (Val Williams supervisor), PMG Shepparton district telephone office, cnr. High & Welsford Sts, Shepparton, 1958
Image: Lost Shepparton, Facebook, Ray Read
Val Williams (supervisor), PMG (later Telecom), Benalla, Mar 1962
Image: Benalla Standard
Val also worked for a short time as supervisor in Wangaratta.

In 1967, Val applied for a supervisor position in Shepparton, and was later promoted from Overseer, Fourth division, Benalla to Supervisor grade 2, Fourth division, Shepparton. Her pay was from £2941 (the male rate was from £3138).

Val continued to train and study, with a staff clerks' course in 1971 and an exchange management course in 1975. And in 1977, Val did her Higher School Certificate (HSC, Year 12), was promoted to Supervisor Grade 3, and with her HSC subjects passed, qualified for promotion/transfer to a clerical position. Her final promotion was in 1981 to the Customer Service Section as Service Officer (Class 4).

She kept several undated photos taken at her various work places.28,14
Val Williams, PMG (later Telecom)
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, PMG (later Telecom)
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, PMG (later Telecom)
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, Telecom Business Office, Shepparton, c. 1985
Image: The Face of Telecom: Shepparton district
Val Williams (right), PMG (later Telecom)
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams (centre), PMG (later Telecom)
Image: Val Williams
Val retired from Telecom in December 1987 after 41 years of service.

She kept in touch with several of those she had worked with.28,14
Val Williams (right), friend Sheila Favaloro (left), Telecom reunion lunch, Feb 2011
Image: Val Williams
Cars
Val bought her first car, one of at least four Morris sedans, in April 1957. She gave her cars pet names, the best known being her beloved 'Happy' (registration HAP 815). The cars fuelled her love of travel which she did extensively. From 1975, she had Toyotas and Mazdas, all of which were well-travelled.28,2
Val Williams outside 97 Main St, Mooroopna
Image: Val Williams
Val's car 'Happy' in front of 97 Main St, Mooroopna
Image: Val Williams
Val & others stranded due to cracked road surface
Image: Val Williams
'Driving off Princess of Tasmania' ferry, Devonport, Tasmania, Apr 1967
Image: Val Williams
Image: Val Williams
Wilpena Pound, Flinders Ranges, SA
Image: Val Williams
Val's car, Main St, Mooroopna, 1985
Image: Val Williams
Caring For Parents
After sister Lorraine married in 1951, Val did an Australian Red Cross Society home nursing course. Her father became ill, and died in 1956. Her mother later needed assistance, and Val lived with her mother in their Main/McLennan St home until 1988.28,2
 
Lorraine and Laurie's Wedding
Val was bridesmaid at her sister Lorraine's wedding and Reg was best man for his brother Laurie.
Val Williams (bridesmaid) & Reg Phillips (best man), Laurie & Lorraine Phillips wedding, St Mary's, Mooroopna, Sep 1951
Image: Val Williams
Reg, Laurie & Lorraine (Williams) Phillips, Val Williams, Sep 1951
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
The wedding party celebrated the occasion 40 years later.
Reg, Laurie & Lorraine (Williams) Phillips, Val Williams, wedding party 40 years on, Sep 1991
Travel
Val travelled extensively. Most early trips were by car around Victoria and the other south-eastern states. Her first recorded trip was to the Strathbogies in 1948 in her father's car. She has since been to every Australian state and territory many times.

Travelling companions varied over the years; Vera 'Pop' Hoban, Margaret Kearney and Betty (later Walters) were early ones. Sheila Favaloro accompanied Val on many adventures; and in later years Val was joined by Margaret Hogan.28,32,2
Vera 'Pop' Hoban & Val Williams, Lake Dobson, Tasmania
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams ringing bell at model prison, Port Arthur, Tasmania
Image: Val Williams
Betty, and Val Williams, snow trip, Sep 1965
Image: Val Williams
Val, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 1973
Image: Val Williams
Betty & Val in front of 1000 yo Boab Prison Tree, Derby, WA, Sep 1984
Image: Val Williams
Val, Olive? Rock, WA or NT, Sep 1984
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, Victorian alpine holiday, 2006
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, Otway holiday, 2005
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, Otway holiday, 2005
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, Otway holiday, 2005
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, Sheepyard Flat holiday, 2006
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, Sheepyard Flat holiday, 2006
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, Sheepyard Flat holiday, 2006
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, Sheepyard Flat holiday, 2006
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, Sheepyard Flat holiday, 2006
Image: Val Williams
Val's first recorded overseas trip was in 1966 to New Zealand, and she has since been to every continent except Antarctica, most of them multiple times.

Her second overseas trip was in 1974; this 'World Catholic Pilgrimage' was around the world in a cruise ship and lasted over four months. The trip took her to New Zealand, Tahiti, across the equator and through the Panama Canal, Curacao, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, the Vatican, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, England and Ireland. She then visited the Holy Land and places of religious significance. She returned to England and travelled through Wales and Scotland before returning to Melbourne via Singapore.

Val enjoyed a challenge. Some climbing activities include a treetop walk, the Eiffel tower, Uluru when it was deemed acceptable, the pyramids, Peru's Machu Picchu, and Mt Everest base camp. Other activities include ballooning in Egypt; riding a donkey, camel or yak; and learning from a Bedouin how to shoot a pistol.

More significant of Val's trips include the US and Canada (twice), three months in Europe, the Trans-Siberian railway from Beijing to Moscow, Africa, China and Tibet, the Middle East, and her last one, India.

Val would often bring souvenirs home for her nieces and nephews.32,2,28
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, African holiday; Egypt, Jordan, UAE, 2006
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, African holiday; Egypt, Jordan, UAE, 2006
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, African holiday; Egypt, Jordan, UAE, 2006
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, African holiday; Egypt, Jordan, UAE, 2006
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, African holiday; Egypt, Jordan, UAE, 2006
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, African holiday; Egypt, Jordan, UAE, 2006
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, African holiday; Egypt, Jordan, UAE, 2006
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, African holiday; Egypt, Jordan, UAE, 2006
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, African holiday; Egypt, Jordan, UAE, 2006
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, Himalayan holiday, 2009
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, Himalayan holiday, 2009
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, Himalayan holiday, 2009
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, Himalayan holiday, 2009
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, Himalayan holiday, 2009
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, Himalayan holiday, 2009
Image: Val Williams
Val (centre, elbow bent) & Betty (behind & left of Val), near Franz Josef glacier, New Zealand, c. 1966
Image: Val Williams
Betty & Val, Walter Peak Station, between Wanaka & Te Anau, New Zealand, c. 1966
Image: Val Williams
Joyce, Val & Sheila, Arrowtown, 20 km E of Queenstown, New Zealand, Apr 1982
Image: Val Williams
Back: Joyce, Sheila, Eileen & Pam; front: Val & Joyce, New Zealand, Apr 1982
Image: Val Williams
Sheila & Val, Bobs Peak, Queenstown, New Zealand, Apr 1982
Image: Val Williams
Terry & Val, Franz Josef glacier, New Zealand, Apr 1982
Image: Val Williams
Sheila & Val, Franz Josef glacier, New Zealand, Apr 1982
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, US-Canada holiday, 2005
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, US-Canada holiday, 2005
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, US-Canada holiday, 2005
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, US-Canada holiday, 2005
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, US-Canada holiday, 2005
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, US-Canada holiday, 2005
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, US-Canada holiday, 2005
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, US-Canada holiday, 2005
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, US-Canada holiday, 2005
Image: Val Williams
Personal Interests
Val was a keen photographer. She amassed over 7000 photos, most of which she took on one of her many cameras. As well as recording her travels, she left a legacy of family photos that help document the family's history. The photos covered many formats, including black & white and colour slides, prints of many sizes, large format negatives, and digital (though Val never owned a computer).

Typical for many photographers, we have very few photos of Val holding her camera.32,2
Val Williams, photographer
Image: Val Williams
In 1948, Val's hand-made mat won First Prize at the Shepparton Agricultural Society show. She also had her tapestries displayed in the guest bedroom.

Val was well-known for her cooking ability. Her biscuits, cakes and puddings were all family favourites. She made cakes for special occasions such as birthdays, engagements and occasional weddings.

Val enjoyed walking and regularly went bushwalking with friends or in one of the Adventure Clubs. She also walked or climbed while on her many travels.28,2
Val Williams (18yo), hand made mat prize, 1948
Val enjoyed gardening. As well as tending her garden, her small backyard was filled with pot plants and tubs. She grew all types of plants; mostly natives, but also ornamentals, small fruit trees and vegies (mostly tomatoes). Around 1990, she was awarded Best Pot Plant In Show in the Mooroopna & District Garden Club Spring Show.

In recognition of Val's love of native plants, the family chose them as the theme for her floral tribute.2,28
Val's Emma St house, Mooroopna
Image: Val Williams
St Mary's Catholic Church
Val's Catholic faith was a way of life for her, and remained so for her whole life.

She worked tirelessly for St Mary's, most notably as Sacristan, someone who diligently ensures that everything required for the celebration of Mass is set out and ready for use. On her 80th birthday, Val presented a chalice to St Mary's 'For eighty challenging and interesting years.'

In 1988, she interviewed parishioners and recorded their recollections in a booklet 'St Mary's Remembers'.

Val also donated to St Columban's Mission Society for over 20 years and in 1997 was awarded 'Opal Benefactor'.

For Life symbols at Val's funeral, the family chose a Madonna picture, one of which was always on display at her home.28,33,2
St Mary's, Mooroopna
Image: Val Williams
Altar prepared by Val Williams, St Mary's church, Mooroopna
Image: Val Williams
Madonna pictures held by Val Williams
Madonna pictures held by Val Williams
Community Work
In addition to her work at St Mary's, Val did a variety of activities in support of her community. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels, RPH Australia (reading on radio for those with print disability), St Vincent de Paul (a side benefit was making donated jigsaw puzzles to make sure they had all the pieces), U3A, and the Red Cross blood bank.

Val did some of this plus additional work through the Soroptimists.28,2
Val Williams (left), Meals-On-Wheels volunteer, Mooroopna area
Image: Val Williams
Image: Val Williams
Soroptimists
Val was a foundation member of Soroptimist International of Shepparton. She was their first treasurer from 1970-1977 and president from 1984-1986. She held positions at state level and in 1993 was made Regional Extension Officer. She attended many world conferences.

Val was involved in all aspects of the club including initial setup, fundraising, and connections with like-minded groups, both local, national and international. She was made life member in 2010.

She made several life-long friends through Soroptimists, some of whom joined Val on her travels.28,34
Lorna Brown, Val Williams & Joan Guymer, Soroptimists Shepparton
Image: Soroptimist International of Shepparton
Soroptimists Shepparton founding members: back: Elaine McArthur, Joan Guymer, Marjorie Crawford, Jean Sfirro, Eileen Dolan; front: Beryl Goodfellow, Geordie Gribble, Helen Ferguson, Lorna Brown, Dorothy Roche, Margaret Cameron & Val Williams, Lorna Brown's home, Oct 1991
Image: Soroptimist International of Shepparton
Sheila Favaloro (standing, left), Val Williams (standing, 6th left), Soroptimists Shepparton
Image: Soroptimist International of Shepparton
Val Williams & Eileen Dolan, 40th anniversary with Soroptimists Shepparton, 2010
Image: Soroptimist International of Shepparton
Val Williams (left), Sheila Favaloro (right), Soroptimists Shepparton
Image: Soroptimist International of Shepparton
Judi Tinker, Eileen Dolan, Val Williams & Robyn Neville, Soroptimists Shepparton Christmas party Kris Kingle, Dec 2013
Image: Soroptimist International of Shepparton
Val Williams & Eileen Dolan, Soroptimists Shepparton, 2013
Image: Soroptimist International of Shepparton
Rachele Cavallaro, Jeanette Berry & Val Williams, Soroptimists Shepparton
Image: Soroptimist International of Shepparton
Val Williams, Soroptimists Shepparton function
Image: Val Williams
Val Williams, Soroptimists Shepparton function
Image: Val Williams
Val (front right), Soroptimists Shepparton wine appreciation night, Monichino Wines, Katunga
Image: Val Williams
Val took part in many fundraising events.28,32,34
Val Williams (3rd left), Soroptimists Shepparton fundraiser, 2004
Image: Soroptimist International of Shepparton
Lyn Bailey, Pam Prosser, Margaret Webster, Carla Farrell & Val Williams, Soroptimists Shepparton fundraiser
Image: Soroptimist International of Shepparton
Val Williams, 'Relay For Life' fundraiser, Soroptimists Shepparton
Image: Val Williams
A major initiative of Val's was her Tree Project, where she worked with newly-established Greening Australia.

Greening of Australia

Val Williams suggested that we join the 'Greening of Australia'.

l lived in a lovely place with a beautiful 3 acre garden on the Broken River. It was the perfect place to hold our activity.

So once a year everyone arrived at my place at 8am with their gardening gloves and trowels.

We all had breakfast together before going outside to begin sowing a variety of tree seeds.

Val and I travelled to Bendigo, (at first Val did it by herself!) to the regional contact, who had all the seeds and soil and pots and icy pole sticks (for writing the labels).

We tipped the soil into a wheelbarrow and mixed it together. We filled the tubes with soil, then sprinkled the seeds on top.

We then stuck labels into each pot and put the pots into ice-cream containers and styrene boxes. We all had a particular job to do and the production line worked well. When we had finished the seed sowing, we had morning tea.

Each member took home a box to nurture their 'babies' until the landowner came to collect them.

The idea was to collect seeds from a particular farm, then process them, sort them and put them in packets ready to be sown.

One year we went to the particular farm to assist in the planting of the trees.

We would report each month as to the progress of our seedlings. Some did better than others. Sometimes no seeds of a particular variety would germinate. One year some of mine were eaten by a possum.

Lyn Bailey

In October 2011, Soroptimists Shepparton presented Val with a 'TreeProject' award.34
Val Williams (right), tree planting for Soroptimists Shepparton
Image: Soroptimist International of Shepparton
Back: Elaine Lenon, Pam Prosser, Gay Wright, Margaret Webster, Lyn Bailey, Jeanette Berry & Val Williams; front: Sheila Favaloro, tree planting, Soroptimists Shepparton
Image: Soroptimist International of Shepparton
Val Williams (3rd right, toward back), tree planting, Soroptimists Shepparton
Image: Soroptimist International of Shepparton
Soroptimist Shepparton, certificate of appreciation for environmental project, to Val Williams, October 2011
One of Val's lifelong friends was Eileen Dolan, who was also a charter member of Soroptimists Shepparton. Eileen died the day before Val.


Hard-working members remembered
By Caleb Francis

The Soroptimist International of Shepparton has bid farewell to two of its charter members, who recently died and were integral to the club for 53 years.

Eileen Dolan and Val Williams both made significant contributions to Soroptimists and the wider community.
...

Mrs Williams was the epitome of a Soroptimist, living and breathing the club's values.

She held various positions within the club, including the role of the first treasurer in 1970, which she held for seven years, and also served a president.

Mrs Williams' dedication to the club went beyond the local level, as she held positions at the state level and attended numerous world conferences.

She was a passionate environmentalist and was actively involved in seed growing projects that helped grow many trees for farms around the region.

Mrs Williams was also a devoted special minister at St Mary's Catholic Church in Mooroopna and was involved with U3A and the Adventure Clubs due to her love for bushwalking.

One of Mrs Williams' most notable achievements was her involvement in establishing the Cobram/Barooga Club, which remains an active and vibrant club to this day.

She mentored new members and cared for her mother, for many years, showing her selflessness and compassion.

The Soroptimist International Club of Shepparton will miss the knowledge, guidance and friendship of both women.

Their contributions to the Soroptimist International Club and the community will be deeply missed, and their knowledge and friendship will be cherished by all who knew them. [April 2023]35

 
Emma St
By 1988, Val's mother needed to go into care. Val subsequently sold the Main/McLennan St home and bought a unit in Emma St, close to St Mary's.28,2
 
Health
Around 2013, the family became aware of Val occasionally doing things quite out of character.

In early 2014, she updated her powers of attorney, which had been previously prepared in 1996. Her will from 1996 remained unchanged. Val had organised a prepaid funeral in 1987.

By September 2015, Val's dementia had progressed to the point she could no longer live safely at home. She was admitted to Rodney Park Village in Mooroopna.

As part of a 2018 redevelopment, Val was transferred to Maculata Place in Shepparton.28,2
 
Valma Ellen Williams died of 'complications of advanced old age (1 month)' at Maculata Place (Shepparton Villages) Shepparton on 24 March 2023, aged 93. The duration of last illness was given as 'dementia 5 Years'.3,2
 
Will
In her 1996 will, Val named nephew Peter Phillips and niece Karen Barker as executors. She left $5000 to her friend Vera Hoban, and the remainder to her surviving nephews and nieces.36
 

Citations

  1. [S515] Valma Ellen Williams, birth registration no. 5816, 29 January 1930.
  2. [S126] Peter Phillips, personal knowledge or recollection.
  3. [S705] Valma Ellen Williams, death registration no. 252790, 24 March 2023.
  4. [S59] Val Williams, personal communication, 1996.
  5. [S2] 'Valma Ellen Williams, baptism certificate, St Brendan's Shepparton, 2 March 1930.
  6. [S2] Cecil Roy Williams, certificate of statutary declaration, Health Act 1919 - Part VII - Vaccination, 13 March 1930.
  7. [S201] 'Mooroopna Queen competition decided', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 26 March 1936, p. 14, viewed 12 September 2019, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/176987834
  8. [S172] Leon Williams, personal communication, 2 September 2012.
  9. [S21] Lorraine Phillips, personal communication, August and September 2012.
  10. [S21] Lorraine Phillips, personal communication, 28 August 2012.
  11. [S448] Grandma living in the 1930s, story, c. 1999.
  12. [S59] Val Williams, personal communication, 2 September 2012.
  13. [S21] Lorraine Phillips, personal communication, 21 August 2012.
  14. [S59] Val Williams, personal communication, 28 September 1996.
  15. [S561] LANDATA, online property information, certificate of title, vol. 6783, folio 1356472, Mooroopna 1945-1974.
  16. [S561] LANDATA, online property information, certificate of title, vol. 5598, folio 476, Mooroopna 1929-1998.
  17. [S201] 'Social notes', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 26 October 1938, p. 3, viewed 19 September 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article176272215
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  20. [S21] Lorraine Phillips, personal communication, 28 September 1996.
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  24. [S59] Val Williams, personal communication, April 2015.
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  26. [S201] 'Sacred Heart College: Proficiency certificate', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 9 February 1945, p. 6, viewed 27 January 2019, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/170425424
  27. [S201] 'Sacred Heart College: Intermediate', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 8 February 1946, p. 4, viewed 27 January 2019, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/187167408
  28. [S2] Various work and personal documents retained by Val Williams, 1937-2011, in possession of Peter Phillips.
  29. [S201] 'Many Easter weddings celebrated: Sisters wed at Mooroopna', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 11 April 1947, p. 9, viewed 19 May 2023, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/173894663
  30. [S201] 'Ardmona bride', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 24 June 1947, p. 9, viewed 19 May 2023, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/173896238
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  32. [S2] Photos and travel notes retained by Val Williams, 1948-2011, in possession of Peter Phillips.
  33. [S2] Monsignor Peter Jeffrey, homily, St Mary's church, 3 April 2023.
  34. [S704] Soroptimist International of Shepparton Inc 50th Birthday, book, Soroptimist International of Shepparton, 2020.
  35. [S18] Caleb Francis, 'Hard working members remembered', Shepparton News, 1877-, newspaper, Roy McPherson, 2 April 2023, p. 5.
  36. [S706] 'Valma Ellen Williams', will, 11 January 1996.