The life of former Moran Kellyville resident Maureen Tarrant was recently honoured with the opening of a memorial garden on the grounds of the Home, reflecting Maureen’s lifelong passion for beautiful gardens. A jacaranda tree, planted by Maureen’s family on her birthday, is a colourful feature in the garden.
Maureen’s family have kindly agreed to share her story.
Maureen had many talents, a talented seamstress, photographer, cake decorator and knitter, she enjoyed cross-stitch, macrame, pottery, painting, drawing, lead lighting, furniture restoration and French polishing. Maureen shared a passion for rugby league with her life-long best friend Kay and together they attended many Parramatta Eels games even enjoying front row seats at the 2009 Grand Final! Maureen shared her passion for travel with her sisters, friends and other family members who joined her on trips far and wide including to Lord Howe Island, Perth, cruises around the Pacific and snorkelling at remote locations, Hawaii, USA, Canada, Alaska and Japan.
From a young age, Maureen was a practical and resourceful person, a steadying force that others could rely on. She grew up in post-war Sydney as one of four children to mother Lillian, who was a nurse and father Lionel Freeman, who was a WWII soldier. The family moved around following the war, first living at the Freeman family home opposite Victoria Barracks in Paddington then at Hargrave Park Liverpool, an army camp turned rough and tumble housing for returned soldiers and their families. They settled in Yagoona where Maureen recalls many happy memories from growing up with her siblings, Rex, Patricia and Riki.
After dating for a few years, Maureen married Raymond Tarrant at the Bass Hill Methodist Church. They went on to buy their dream home in Seven Hills and have three children, Leanne, Cherie and Phillip. She always prioritized others over herself and created a happy, steady environment for her children who attribute their own practical approach to life to the examples set by their mother. While the children were young, ever-practical Maureen started a family daycare business from home, to help make ends meet.
Maureen was an active committee member of Blacktown Swimming Club, organising club activities, swim meets and functions, even designing swimming uniforms for the Club and caps for the Royal Lifesaving Club. She forged many long-term friendships during this time.
After her children began school, Maureen followed her passion for photography. Her career in the photography industry started at William Tell Photographers in Wentworthville, developing and touching up photographs, including many wedding photos. During her career, she worked as a studio manager and photographer, taking photographs at events and on weekends at the Major Oak Theatre Restaurant in St Marys. Following retirement, she continued weekend work until her mobility deteriorated due to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a rare brain disorder that causes problems with movement, walking, balance and eye movement.
Maureen originally moved to Moran Kellyville for respite care but soon decided to stay permanently after falling in love with the Home’s Woodlands Prestige Suites and the gardens outside her room, now the location of Maureen’s jacaranda.
To find out more about how you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings and friendly community at Moran Kellyville, contact us today for a chat.