Born into a pioneering family and living on a wheat farm in Kunat (just south of Swan Hill), conditions were often harsh for young Marjorie and her family.

She attended boarding school until she was nine years old, and when her father died, her mother, sister and Marjorie continued working the family farm. In a statement, her family wrote to CERA: “She was an inspirational example of strength and resilience.”

Marjorie and her husband Ken both grew up during the Depression.

“They struggled,” said the statement. “But they both felt fortunate to be able to get good jobs, work hard, and raise us in the family home. They also both had a keen sense of duty to help those less fortunate than themselves.”

Driven by their strong Christian faith, both Marjorie and Ken were, “strongly and passionately involved in the activities of their local church, helping in the community, volunteering within many organisations and regularly donating to many and varied charities throughout their lives.

“They were generous in their donations to overseas, poverty-stricken areas and inspired by the impact of treatments on improving quality of life across the world.

“Mum started wearing glasses for short sightedness as a 12-year-old and had cataract surgery in her later years. One of her children also struggles with poor eyesight. Mum was sad when she could no longer clearly see the beauty of the bush, and it was her hope, that eye problems could one day be cured.”

We thank you Marjorie, for choosing to leave a gift in your will to CERA and bring hope to people affected by vision loss and blindness.