We have received the sad news that the much loved former Narooma resident, Margaret Saker (OAM) passed away in Benalla on Thursday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Margaret left Narooma in January 2017 to live near her oldest son in Benalla, Victoria after her health declined.
More than anything Margaret will be remembered for her many contributions to the Narooma community, her genuine concern for those around her and her wonderful smile.
Margaret and her husband Bob Saker retired to Narooma in 1988 and not very long after Margaret decided to join Quota International.
Mrs Saker was a member of Quota International from 1988 until 2017 and during that time she held every position on the executive. In 2011 she was named the Quota Volunteer of the Year.
"Margaret joined Quota not long after she moved to Narooma and stayed with the club for 29 years. She was a wonderful mentor. She believed in people and put them at ease with her gentle, caring way," Susan Pryke, Publicity Officer, Quota International of Narooma said.
"She was always up for bit of fun, too, whether it was dressing up as Lady Gaga or a Roaring 20s flapper. No one worked harder than she did when it came to raising funds or helping others.
"Margaret touched the lives of so many people here in Narooma. We will remember her lovely smile, her cheeky laugh, and the way she could lift you up and make the world seem brighter," Ms Pryke said.
Mrs Saker was well known around town as a cricket tragic, she was quizmaster at Quota Trivia nights for 10 years and by all accounts her trademark cricket questions were eagerly anticipated
She was instrumental in coordinating the Narooma Australia Day ceremony from 1999 and continued to be involved until January 2013.
Council's Gillian Kearney said she was privileged to work alongside Margaret in the Narooma Australia Day Committee.
"It was a great loss to our community when she left Narooma and our committee unanimously decided to give her the award for Narooma Local Legend before she left," she said.
Margaret belonged to many community organisations including Meal's On Wheels for 25 years, Red Cross, the Community Health Auxiliary, IRT Auxiliary and in 2004 she was named Narooma Citizen of the Year.
Mrs Saker was also honoured with an Australia Day Achievement Award by Eurobodalla Council in 2012 and in 2018 Margaret was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the Australia Day Honours list.
Margaret leaves behind three sons, a daughter, their partners, 12 grand children and nine great grandchildren.
Former editor of Narooma News, Stan Gorton said, "Margaret was always a friendly face and a regular visitor to the Narooma office.
"She did a lot for the community and everyone was sad when she moved away from Narooma, she will be missed," he said.
Margaret Saker was 86-years old and now at rest with husband Bob. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private family funeral service will be held.