A service on October 3 at Kelmscott Baptist Church celebrated and remembered Madge Hill as a loving mother and a friend to all.
Madge’s daughter Christine said her mum was remembered as a strong Noongar woman who dedicated her life to her family, her friends and the community.
“Mum loved to share her stories about her life,” Christina said.
“People would listen to this wonderful and gentle person who spoke in a very quiet voice.
“Her eyes would light up when she spoke about her parents and the life that they lived and then she would go on about her children and their achievements in her life.
“Mum and Dad have instilled in our lives the importance of family commitment, respecting each other and others that come into our lives, be it through community involvement, working, sport or just to say hello to someone.
“Our Mum was our rock and she will be dearly missed by many.
“She has always been someone that I can lean on for support and guidance but most of all to tell her that I love her every day.”
Madge was born in Wiilman country, 12 kilometres from the Wheatbelt town of Williams.
She married Horace Hill after he rode up to her on a horse and swept her off her feet and the pair married in Pingelly.
Madge’s son Brett said the hardships of the 1960s and 1970s motivated their family to move to Armadale.
“It was difficult for the family to access medical assistance, school bus transport or housing – sometimes living under the Wungong Bridge or a tin shack without power or water, before being granted housing in Pine Tree Close, Armadale,” he said.
“Our parents moved us from the Wheatbelt to Armadale to offer us opportunities and an education.”
Horace worked at the brickworks in Armadale and died in a car accident at the age of 59.
Madge raised their nine children and became the matriarch of the family.
In recent years, Madge developed kidney complications and visited Armadale hospital for dialysis.
Her renal doctor Hemant Kulkarni said he felt a deep sense of gratitude towards Madge.
He said her shared knowledge of Aboriginal culture had made him a better person.
“Madge Hill’s legacy is a colourful mosaic of love, resilience and community – a true queen whose reign was one of the heart,” he said.
“Even within the confines of the dialysis unit, where she attended three times a week, her optimistic nature shone through.”
Brett said she was known by everyone in the hospital for her caring, loving ways and respect for all.
“She was always saying that a smile is free and that we all need to work together to make a difference,” he said.
“She was resilient, humble, loving and drew strength from Christianity.
“We learned such beautiful values from her.”
With 30 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren, who each have fond memories with her, Madge’s legacy continues.
