Edna Dutschke (nee Elix) passed away peacefully in her sleep, and under medical care during the early hours of 14th November 2008. She was 95, and had seen much in her life. Including giving life to two sons and a daughter. Her daughter is my Mum. Edna was by Nana.
Her grandparents immigrated from what is now Germany and religious intolerance to South Australia’s Barossa Valley.
A jolly person with a cheeky sense of humour. A hard worked who never suffered fools gladly. Along with her late husband, Arnold (passed on December 1984) she taught at many Lutheran Primary Schools in South Australia.
She had a sweet tooth (a trait passed on to her grandson, but don’t tell my Mum), a love of gardening, Inspector Rex, the Port Power, her family and keeping empties under her bed (last one is a family joke)
In her final years she was quietly frustrated by her body failing her active mind. Walkers and wheelchairs aided her mobility and did little to slow her down. A keen eye was watching everyone when the hearing aid’s battery failed.
My memories of her are all pleasant. As her first grandson, I am sure I had a special place in her heart. She put up with me and passed on some lessons in life. I lived with Nana from 1985 through to 1988 at a time I completed my Matriculation (HSC) through to finding Avril. Nana was the first in my family to meet Avril and provide approval.
Her physical presence will be missed. Memories, stories and thoughts remain.
Many memories.
“My Nicholas” was spoken and thought of so many times !! When Papa and Nana were leaving us in NSW to come back to SA after holidays.. you were upset so Nana said “we will think of each other when we look at the moon” “Oh but you will see the other side of the moon” says 3 year old Nicholas !! Now she is safely and peacefully beyond the moon!!