It has been almost nine months since Harden Murrumburrah’s own angel, Lila Irving passed away, but to her daughter Tameka Irving, it seems only yesterday she was talking and laughing with her mum.
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“Mum was an amazing woman,” Ms Irving said. “She helped so many people in this community, often without them realising who was behind it.”
Lila was born on May 11, 1938 and was adopted by Amelia and Carl Hagemann. The family lived in Swift Street, and Lyla spent hours playing with her cousin Ruth McDonald. The pair got into lots of mischief and stayed life long friends.
When Lila finished her schooling at Murrumburrah Public School, she met and married Darcy Irving, who was known as Bill. Bill had 4 sons from a previous marriage, which was fine for Lila as she had been told by her doctor that she could never have children of her own. Being the determined lady she was, she went on to have 3 boys and 4 girls, giving her 11 children to rear.
“Growing up, we thought we didn’t have much” Ms Irving said, “ but as an adult I can see we were fairly spoiled. Mum was a firm but loving lady and our home was a safe haven. Her door was always open –literally.”
“I can’t count the times that random people would pull up outside Mum’s house on the highway and walk in, sit down and order scones and tea, thinking our home was the ‘Whichcraft and Coffee Cottage’”. Ms Irving said. “Mum would just put the kettle on and sit down for a chat”
According to Ms Irving, Lila loved to help people and as such volunteered for many charities and services.
“She volunteered with the SES for over 35 years and received a medal only a week before she passed away” Ms Irving said. “She also volunteered with the View Club, the Laurel Club, Can Assist and even dog shows.”
“If she heard of a family that needed help, she would make up baskets of food and clothing and leave them on their doorsteps anonymously” Ms Irving said. “If asked, she would deny everything”.
“Mum could always be seen at the clearance sales, picking up kid’s clothes and toys ‘just in case’, she was always prepared.” Ms Irving said.”She loved to knit and sew and was always making things to donate to the street stalls to raise money for charity.”
“Mum’s favourite thing though, was just to talk to people, she would sit and chat to anyone,” Ms Irving said “She spent so much time chatting, that she was always running late. In fact, the family used to make up fake times in an effort to get her places on time – it didn’t work.”
Lila spent the last few weeks of her life in Murrumburrah Hospital and her daughter Tameka is full of praise for the respect and treatment she received from the staff.
“Everybody was wonderful during that time” Ms Irving said. “There are so many people to thank, from the staff at the hospital, to everyone who visited and Wal and Jodie Leonow for the beautiful flowers”
“One lesson I have learned from Mum’s passing is that you should never take people for granted” Ms Irving said. “You can never tell people how much you love them often enough.”