She was called Mary by her family and friends, but later became affectionately known as Molly.

Molly lived in several towns, including Braidwood when she was two years old, while growing up, as her father’s work required him to move the family from town to town across the state, wherever work was available.

As a girl Molly was no stranger to hard work as she was required to do her share.

In her late teens, in Parramatta, Molly met a young handsome barber by the name of Ernest Barter, better known as Paddy.

They both enjoyed dancing, so they attended many dances together while courting and throughout their married life after their wedding in Rydalmere on March 24, 1937.

The marriage produced four children who all received a loving family upbringing in Girraween in Sydney’s West where Paddy and Molly made their home.

After their children grew up and left home, Molly took on work as a cake decorator and continued working as a seamstress, an occupation at which she was well accomplished before she was married.

She later became manageress of a small clothing shop.

After Paddy retired from Australian Abrasives, he and Molly settled in Narooma in late 1979, where Paddy played bowls and Molly became involved in church activities, St. Vincent de Paul, the CWA and its choir and other activities.

Molly lost her beloved Paddy in 1998 after a prolonged illness, leaving her to live on her own for the first time in her life.

Molly Suffered several illnesses after this, but her strong will and resilience brought her through.

A few years ago, it became evident to the family that Molly had become another victim of the dreaded dementia and that she was no longer able to live on her own; so each family member took turns in living with her until a low-care unit in Moruya’s Illawarra Retirement village became available for her in January 2009.