A lovely package made its way to the Archives recently from NSW, received from Robyn Pargeter Roland, daughter of Joan Pargeter (Eaton, 1946). It included Joan’s Life Membership badge, her Dux of Proficiency certificate 1945, a Prospectus, a 1946 Newton Business College Diploma, a 1974 Old Collegians Jubilee Mass booklet and a 1964 Sacred Heart College Appeal Prospectus.

Robyn has put together some words on her Mum’s life:

Mum, Joan Pargeter (Eaton) was born in Albury on 19 August 1929. She attended St Brigid’s School, Howlong for her primary years. Just before the war broke out Mum, her parents Ted and Carrie and her brother Frank moved to 11 Eureka Street, Geelong. Frank attended St Joseph’s and Mum attended Sacred Heart, where her love for Mercy sisters continued. Mum named Sister Barbara as her favourite teacher, and maths her favourite subject. Her great friends were Pat Stocks (Skepper, Piercy) Pat Wall, Pat Bolger and Joan McDonald. We heard many stories over the years about Sr Flora McDonald.

Mum completed her Leaving Certificate and the family moved back to Howlong after the war ended and her father took over the running of The Courthouse Hotel. Mum’s dream was to become a teacher but sadly that never eventuated, as she was to work at AE Hamilton’s general store. Alice Evelyn Hamilton, the store owner, was Mum’s much-loved aunt. Mum worked in ‘the shop’ until she married local farmer Lloyd Pargeter in 1956. They were the first couple to marry at the new St Brigid’s Church. She moved to the farm, ‘Hillsborough’ and together they raised seven children.

Mum lived a faith-filled life. She was on the executive of the Catholic Women’s League in Howlong for many, many years and taught scripture on a voluntary basis at Howlong Public School for over 30 years. Up until she died, ex-students would stop Mum and make themselves known to her - there was no need as Mum remembered every student she taught. Mum had a phenomenal memory.

Mum was also a member of the executive of several community groups ranging from The Hall Committee to the craft group. She especially loved watching her sons and grandsons play footy for Howlong and rarely missed a game. She was also a one-eyed Cats supporter and she kept an eye on the scores every weekend. Mum sewed our clothes, baked sponges and knitted countless bootees and matinee jackets for her grandchildren. She made beautiful baby blankets for each of them to cherish.

Mum’s legacy is her seven children, all of whom live locally in Howlong or Albury. She had 15 grandchildren and delighted in her six great grandchildren. She never missed their birthdays.

A life well lived, Mum was a respected member of the Howlong community, and she is missed. Mum is buried with her beloved Lloyd in the Howlong cemetery.

Leaving Group
Back row (from left): Mary Jackman, Veronica Ryan, Joan Melican, Flora MacDonald and Dorothy Bartels. Middle row: Joan Eaton, Joan Turner, Ursula Pascoe, Nell Widdison and Marie Brosnan. Front row: Nancy Harrower, Elizabeth Bendle, Margaret O'Loughlin, Joan Bartels and Gleed Steinfort.

Sharing Stories: From the Archives

The Sacred Heart College Archive’s aim is to tell all of the College’s stories, experiences and history. If you have something you would like to donate to the College Archives, please reach out to Claudette Brennan, College Archivist clbrennan@shcgeelong.catholic.edu .au