RITA Fay Lillyman was born in Walgett NSW 29th December 1932, to parents Frank and Mary Tattam where she grew up and did her schooling.
Her chosen profession was nursing and Mum nursed in several NSW towns.
In her younger years Mum also spent some time in Sydney working, and during that time became a competent ice skater and dancer, spending much time at the then, well-known dance spot, The Trocadero.
In May 1953, Rita married her lifelong partner Warrick John (Grant) Lillyman in Walgett and in November of that year the newly wedded couple purchased Kara Station outside of Richmond..
Grant had worked in Western Queensland previously, so the young married couple were Queensland bound. The life of the grazier then, as now, had its struggles with droughts, floods, commodity prices etc and Rita and Grant met them head on.
Rita made the most beautiful and loving home out of a tin shed. Over the many years living on Kara, she made it a refuge for many of her own family and the friends of her children.
In typical bush style, Mum could work all day, caring for her family and whoever was around, do a day wool classing and still be able to get the washing done, the family fed and the grandchildren bathed and ready for bed.
She had a love of fibres and under the watchful guidance of Malcolm Moriarty, wool classing became second nature to her. She grew to love the bush, her sheep, her shearers and her neighbours – the Smiths, Jarvis’s, Wheelhouses and Hunters.
Rita was an accomplished seamstress and made many wedding gowns as well as all of her own and her children’s clothes. She was the envy of many at the local race meetings. After years in the district she went on to own and operate two fashion boutiques, Megs and Fernery Fashions in both Hughenden and Richmond during the 70’s.
She also made all of her own hats and decorated many wedding cakes for her friends and their families.
Rita was heartbroken to leave Kara and the family home in the 90’s, but in her true resilient style she adapted to life in Richmond where she continued her work with St Brigid’s Parish, charity works, visiting and helping other people.
Rita and Grant bought the old convent school in Richmond and made it into an oasis that was opened to all who needed refuge. Open as in ...doors wide open and never shut, causing the local constabulary concerns. Rita loved the fact that EVERYONE knew they were welcome.
The Richmond Red Cross was her most recent passion.
B&S Ball time was an exciting time for Rita Lillyman as she would dress everyone in her usual style. Sorting the white shirts, ties and suits for the men and finery for the ladies. She loved to attend and see the beautiful gowns and watch “her young ones” so happy and dancing. She loved to be involved with all things concerning children and young people..
Rita was extremely proud of her town Richmond and the locals and would go to great lengths to fix anything she thought wasn’t being attended to properly. Just ask John, Frank and the local council!!!!
Rita and Grant were awarded an Australia Day Citizen of the Year in 1995 and Rita was a stand-alone recipient again in 2009.
She loved her kids - Gai, Budge, Netta, Doob and Briget without question, and was overly proud of our achievements and the achievements of our children. She attended swimming carnivals, rodeos and football, ropings and all events to be with us all and share our special moments, right up until the time of her passing.
“Mum has taken us all by surprise heading off to heaven so unexpectedly. She is leaving a gap in our lives that no other will fill.
“We were blessed to have her in our lives for as long as we did, and only now can we truly appreciate the strength and love she possessed and shared so willingly with all she came in contact with,” Doob said.
