OBITUARY
Margaret Lansdown
Born: 20 June 1940
Died: 6 April 2011
FOR 47 years, Margaret Lansdown had been involved in the Pakenham Fire Brigade Auxiliary.
She joined just after she married the love of her life Charlie at the Cardinia Church in November 1963.
Charlie was a keen footballer and played sport with Margaret’s brothers.
They met when Charlie was just 16, and Margaret (Bould) was 18 months his senior.
They had three children, Sharyn, Eleesa and Craig, who are all members of the fire service.
In 1991, Margaret was recognised for her contribution and was awarded a life membership to the auxiliary fire brigade.
She was awarded a life membership to the CFA in April 2011 the day before she passed away.
Charlie says Margaret did not expect the honour, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
Margaret is the only member to have been made a life member of both the brigade and the auxiliary.
On 6 April 2011, Margaret passed away after a tough battle with cancer, and a lifetime of contribution to the community she treasured.
She was first diagnosed in 1988 with cancer, but she recovered until the illness came back with a vengeance in September last year.
Margaret was a woman of many trades, working in early childhood education for 20 years after her children started school.
She was also a talented pianist and dressmaker, and for eight years she sold Lorraine Lea linen and enjoyed the social side of the transaction.
At her funeral, Margaret’s good friend Brenda Rowlands gave the eulogy, highlighting the special moments they shared.
Brenda spoke about the fact that hundreds of teenagers and young adults in the Cranbourne area have benefited from Margaret’s loving guidance. She said her friend and colleague was a woman who gave her time well beyond her paid hours.
Peter Davis, one-time captain of the brigade, also spoke at the funeral. He said Margaret was always willing to lend a helping hand.
While she was a member of the auxiliary, she was treasurer, secretary, vice president and president.
Margaret has left a huge impact on the Pakenham Fire Brigade and her committment to early childhood education will not be forgotten.
