Melita Grace Law (Scotland)

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Order of Service.
This is the text from the document handed out at the funeral. Alternatively download the PDF version.

Melita Grace Law
31st August, 1917
16th March, 2002
84 years
Daughter of
Paula Pustkuchen &
Tom Scotland
Sister of
Norah, Helen, Pauline,
Tom, Elsa and Pat
Wife of
Max
Mother of
Tim
Grandma of
Jacob, Jaime (her angel), Christopher and Cassidy.

Tom Scotland - Melita's brother.
Tom symbolises Melita's family history; her past. Of being a sister, second eldest in a family of 'Seven Little Australians', and the first to pass on.
Craig Masarei - President Alzheimer's Association.
Craig symbolises Melita's work in the community, her selfless care of others, typified by her commitment to organisations to which she had no particular connection, just a desire to help.
Tim Law - Melita's son.
Tim symbolises her legacy; her future. His cousins are his siblings too. Melita was devoted to her grandchildren, Jacob, her angel Jaime, Christopher and Cassidy. She revelled in their achievements.
Stephen Lipple - St. Michael's Church.
Stephen symbolises Melita's love of God, of the Church, of St. Michael's, of her love of all the things of God, nature, music, sharing and peace.
Betty Bennetts - President Returned Sisters Sub Branch of the RSL.
Betty symbolises Melita's nursing life, her experiences through the second world war, the deprivations of caring in a war zone, and the strengths, the friendships that came from that.

Order of service

Welcome - Tom Scotland

Lord's Prayer

Our Father in Heaven
may your name always be kept holy
May your kingdom come
And what you want be done
here on earth as it is in heaven
Give us the food we need for each day
Forgive us our offences
As we forgive those who offend against us
Do not cause us to be tempted
but save us from the evil one
For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever and ever. (Matthew 6)

Melita my sister - Tom Scotland

(email)

Volunteer work - Craig Masarei

(email)

Placing of flowers

My Mother, my Aunt - Tim Law

(email)

& cousin Don Elks

(email)

Psalm 130 - Stephen Lipple

(email)

Melita's Reading - Tom Scotland

(email)

Committal

Last Post
Ode Betty Bennetts

They shall grow not old
as we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them
nor the years condemn,
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning,
We will remember them.
We will remember them.
Lest we forget

Reveille

Close

WELL DONE MELITA
On October 28 1991 Melita Law received the Senior of the Year Award from the hands of Minister Ian Taylor MLA, with the words, "Our special thanks go to this unsung heroine. As founder member of the Alzheimer's Disease Association, she was its treasurer for seven years. In addition to her formal role she has provided sustained care and support for needy families affected by Alzheimer's."
On Friday 16th May 1997 the Rotary Club of Perth awarded Melita Law the prestigious Community Leadership Award for her long-standing dedicated volunteer work with the Alzheimer's Association WA. As Melita received her award she also received a standing ovation from the 130 members and guests present. Melita responded by stating she was only receiving the award as representing the hundreds of other volunteers who are contributing in the community.
WELL DONE MELITA

Home grown Rhubarb on cereal for breakfast.

"I just had this feeling they needed me,
so I had to go" Melita

"When Melita comes into the room, everyone goes gooey"
Alzheimer's Association

Porridge with soft brown sugar. Soft boiled eggs with thick wholemeal soldiers. High backed, low legged chairs with vinyl seats made lower because the stuffing was falling out and the springs showing through (family chairs that had come through the ages). Deep baths with floating toys and saturated floors. Grandma's room ­ a high bed and bookcases, of being quiet whenever we went in there.
Slices of apple or a carrot at bed time and tucked in with a loving kiss. Of sleeping on the old brown couch with blinds down at night so that if you woke in the night you didn't even know what house you were in, let alone where the light switch was. Of the beautiful pendulum clock which held me mesmerised on many occasions.
Of a rambling red brick house with an oil burning stove where delicious food aromas were ever present. A high picket fence surrounding a wonderfully over grown back garden with secret corners and a bird cage. A front garden where you could make cubbies out of the old canvas fold up bed and all the pillows and rugs you could find, where Tim and I awaited our picnics of healthy snacks; buffered from busy Rochdale Road by the big peppy tree.
I loved to be at that place, where Tim was happy to play whatever was going, a place as close to home as you could get in the city. Of a loving Aunty, so like my Mum, but with her patience tested by one child not four.
Child's memories I know, but extremely special to me. Robyn Dennis

Writing your memories of Melita is a great way of celebrating her life. These can be shared via a memorial website Tim is creating shortly at www.peoplehelp.com.au/stories/melita Please send your thoughts to him via email.

Tim and Kerry invite you to share your own memories briefly in the Condolence Room, and for a light lunch at the Lisle Lodge Common Room, Lisle Street, Mount Claremont.

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HISTORY by her brother - Tom Scotland
Born 31 08 1917 at Narrogin WA after mother's ship torpedoed during World War I. Named after Malta where Mother was rescued. Melita and older sister Norah did home schooling on the farm at Kulin. Later there would be a family of 7 children.
At 9 years - School 5 miles away at Jilakin. Father used farm-horse to drag log through bush to make track for Norah, Melita & Helen on ponies.
At 10 years - Mother on long stay in hospital. Norah did drawings for her of family of 7 at work with the question, "Where's Melita?" She was doing her own thing. It was so different from the Melita who, later on, excelled at being there for others.
At 11 years - broke her arm and was taken to Narrogin Hospital as family prepared to move to farm at Wellard in east Rockingham. I (Brother Tom aged 5) wept in agony as I thought I'd never see My Melita again.
At age 16 with older sister Norah, rode horses to dances with evening gowns tied up around their necks. At Hopelands and Serpentine they met a young man named Laddie Law (very much later to be Melita's husband Max)
At age 17 the family moved to 125 Fairway, Nedlands in the City. Melita became a dressmaker riding her bicycle to measure up women who wanted dresses.
At age 18 she became a nurse at Children's Hospital (Princess Margaret) and later King Edward Memorial hospital where Kim Beazley junior was born. Her co-worker declared "Our future Prime Minister" Well, he did become leader of the Opposition in Canberra.
At age 22, World War II declared. She was nursing at Harvey Hospital
At age 23 became Lieutenant in AANS serving in 2/1st AGH in what later became Hollywood Hospital.
In 1942 as a lone figure on Fremantle wharf, farewelled brother Tom to WWII air battles in Europe. How did Melita do it? Only special passes gave access to highly secret ship departures. She was an especially caring sister indeed.
1943/45 Served in 2/1st AGH on the battlefields of New Guinea and Bougainville where the Aust Army was stemming the tide of Japanese invasion.
1944 Christmas letter from Bougainville to Brother Tom still in the air war over Europe, said,."Ill race you home". It was an echo of our horse-riding call to one another when we were 7 young people on the farm. Actually Melita did not arrive home first because peace came to Europe before the war ended against Japan.
POSTWAR She arrived home very ill and nearly died in Hollywood Hospital. My sister Elsa wrote,"Melita suffered many years with recurring bouts of malaria and amoebic dysentery."
1949 Melita travelled to Singapore to nurse her sister Norah with encephalitis after birth of son Bill Wilkins. Melita called him her "Singapore baby." Today Bill is a Director in BHP Steel.
1950 decided to put her faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. This experience became basis for a lifetime of service for others. She became receptionist to Dr Beech in St Geo Tce, Perth. She bought her first car, had a house built and decided to take responsibility for our mother.
1956 MARRIAGE to Max (Laddie) Law whom she met in 1932, fast workers indeed and a wonderful marriage resulted.
1958 son Tim was born (Laurel & I - big house - loved having Mother for 2 years, then we had to go to our missionary work.
MY son PETER WROTE:
Together Max and Melita opened their home to Grandma Scotland to live, and to the whole clan as we would meet together to celebrate absolutely anything at all, at any time. The post war years brought a bonding of family and were a special period as we unknowingly came together to celebrate our freedom after war,
In 1960 and 1962 I was 9 and 11 and stayed with Tim and the Laws and romped around the backyard and became mates with 2 yr old Tim while Auntie Melita hovered nearby. Many a home movie shot by Uncle Max shows Auntie Melita caring for others and doing things to make others comfortable. She was the ultimate mother hen and we love her so very much. It was at this stage that Auntie Melita became my second Mum and confidante. We lived in Tasmania and then Sydney and this consistent Auntie cared even though I was far away. We wrote to each other at odd times and I grew up to become a man.
1968 Mother died - Melita was able to give more time to Volunteer work
Volunteering: Meals on wheels, school canteen, voluntary driver for hospitals, Founder member Alzheimers Assn, Worked weekly for years as assistant to teacher among adults with chronic learning problems. Faithful supporter of her Church - flowers in the Church - Bible studies in the Law home, worker at Wollaston college for Anglican priests in training.
ACCOLLADES - WELL DONE MELITA
On October 28 1991 Melita Law received the Senior of the Year Award. from the hands of Minister Ian Taylor MLA, with the words, "Our special thanks go to this unsung heroine as founder member of the Alzheimers Disease Association
On Friday 16th May 1997 the Rotary Club of Perth awarded Melita Law the prestigious Community Leadership Award for her long-standing dedicated volunteer work with the Alzheimers Association WA.
TRAVEL Melita and Max were exuberent over camping holidays in northern Australia. Over the years they travelled much, Murray River, Sydney, NZ, Bali, Norfolk Is, Solomon Islands etc.
Her sisters Norah and Pauline in NSW, she loved to travel and visit them.
1996 Husband Max died, Melita's voluntary work lessened.
By this time they had moved into Lisle Lodge and lessened activity.
2002 In March, her sister Elsa took her to PAT & Jack Dennis farm at Karridale (Augusta) Exciting week for Melita.
Sat 16th Mar 8.30pm Melita died after sudden illness and today we honour her long life and her loving and caring career.

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Volunteer work - Craig Masarei -

email

. President Alzheimer's Association of WA
Melita has been a long standing volunteer, Foundation and Life member of the Alzheimer's Association WA. This statement in itself says so much about a truly remarkable person who decided in the early 80's to dedicate her time to an organization that would grow and expand to support people living with dementia and their carers and help the community and public understand the impact of this illness. Then and it remains true today, the Association and all it encompasses has been very privileged to know Melita and be taken under her wing.
Melita's presence was far reaching.
You would walk into the building and the fresh flowers in the foyer meant Melita was here. Everyone appreciated the smell and visual inspiration the flowers brought to our working environment, but much more than this, it was knowing that Melita was there for each and everyone one of us. Her kindness, the friendly and encouraging words and the genuine interest she held for all staff and members, made us feel special.
Many hours were spent facilitating carers support groups, walking alongside carers as their journey took bends and turns. Rejoicing and sharing the funny moments, the pain and sense of loss, recharging the batteries to be able to continue caring.
There are so many cherished memories of Melita.
I remember vividly the times I tried to tell her how wonderful she was. She would look me straight into the eye, and say, "thank you my dear, but the privilege is mine, to be with all of you special people". Melita simply loved people, and they all loved her right back. She was our flower lady, a woman who literally and symbolically brought beauty into our lives.
Melita's enthusiasm at the Association stand during Royal Show week was a sight to behold. Handing out information and fridge magnets to all who gave her a sideways glance. This same enthusiasm shone through at all the events, be it the Coffee Mornings, Christmas in July, the Annual Tea Dance, Melbourne Cup Day. Melita would attend the Anzac Day service held in the Day Centre dressed in her Nurses outfit and red cape.
She was our Florence Nightingale.
Melita was a person of absolute integrity - a unique woman who constantly lived up to her beliefs and her values. The Alzheimer's Association will forever be grateful she chose us to be the recipient of her very special beacon of light and goodness. Thank you to Tim and all the family for their generosity in inviting the Association to share this moment.

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Stephen Lipple - St. Michael's Church member
Due to time restrictions, the planned reading of Psalm 130 by Stephen had to be dropped from the service. The following comprises his notes, and the Psalm.

Psalm 130
Psalm 130, chosen by the family for the funeral service, is a song written nearly 3000 years ago. God's people would sing it as they walked as pilgrims up the hill to Jerusalem and the Temple built by King Solomon. Hence the title of the psalm, 'A Song of Ascents'.
Though written in the first person singular, God's people would remind themselves corporately of the Lord's forgiveness, knowing how far short they fell of his holiness. The people then, just as today, had many experiences of sin and selfishness and the suffering these caused, and so had to cry out to God for help. They frankly acknowledged that if the Lord kept a record of all their wrongdoing, no-one would be justified. They would remind themselves of God's merciful character and for that reason had a sure hope. Because God is so merciful, that is good reason to revere him.
The psalmist expresses hope even though there is waiting and longing. Just as the watchmen on the city walls watch and long for the morning when the watch would end and there would be relative safety for the city, so the people wait and long for God. At the end of the psalm, God's people exhort each to hope in the Lord, because his love is steady and assured. God has the intention and the power to save his people who depend on him to save them from themselves ­ their own wickedness. The hope expressed in Psalm 130 finds its fulfilment in Jesus. He is God's power and means for salvation.
God's word was given for us but not to us. We need first to understand the meaning to them then to appropriate it here now. Hence the references to Israel in the psalm should be understood to designate God's people, at that time the rebellious descendents of a motley bunch of Hebrew slaves rescued from Egypt by him. By his eternal intention, Jesus was the means that both Jews and Gentiles (everyone else, ie. us) should be reconciled to him, receiving mercy and love. Hence for modern readers and listeners, 'Israel' now is those people who have put their trust in Christ. It should not be confused with a contemporary political and geographic entity east of the Mediterranean. It is entirely proper to think of Melita as part of Israel.
Reading the psalm below, imagine Melita's voice speaking this, God's word to you, challenging you to share her hope.

Psalm 130
A Song of Ascents

1. Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.
2. Lord, hear my voice!
   Let your ears be attentive
   to the voice of my supplications.
3. If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities,
   Lord, who could stand?
4. But there is forgiveness with you,
   so that you may be revered.
5. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
   and in his word I Hope;
6. My soul waits for the Lord
   more than those who watch for the morning,
   more than those who watch for the morning.
7. O Israel, hope in the LORD!
   For with the LORD there is steadfast love,
   And with him is great power to redeem.
8. It is him who will redeem Israel
   from all its iniquities.

Blessings of peace.
Stephen Lipple

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A sound recording of the service was made. A cassette tape will be available for family and friends. Copies can be requested from Tim.

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Organist Pam McLean

(email)

, of St. Michaels Church, played the organ at the service. It was her own composition written especially for the Melita

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Melita had many friends from many walks of life. Friends and relatives of Tim and Kerry also attended. This list has been compiled from the cards collected by the funeral director and has been included here for interest. Please email any omissions.

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