Majella was 82 when she died rather suddenly just 20 months after Gus - her husband of 58 years. The cornerstone of their long marriage was their Catholic faith. Together they raised three sons - Gerard, Bernard and David and two daughters Jenny and Emma. Like many other couples, they also knew tragedy in their lives with the loss of three premature babies Digby, Bede and Michael.

Majella and Gus rejoiced in their family and welcomed 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

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Born at Lochinvar on July 13, 1937, Majella was the eldest daughter of Bernard Joseph Gurr and Mary Agnes Joyce Miner.

She grew on the family dairy farm Killarney with her siblings Vincent, and Gerard, Paul and Loretto. Paul became a Catholic priest and was the celebrant at the farewell mass for Majella in St Joseph's Church.

Majella realised her dream of becoming a nurse when she started training at the Mater Hospital in Newcastle on September 13, 1954.

After graduating with a double certificate in general and obstetric nursing, Majella moved to Gunnedah in 1959 for nursing duties at Gunnedah District Hospital and the Numalong Private Hospital. She was introduced to Augustus James (Gus) Etheridge at the Sportsmen's Ball and they tied the knot at St Patrick's Lochinvar on November 26, 1960.

Gus had been working as a butcher at Namoi Meats, followed by a stint as a bookmaker and when the Gus invested in a stock and grain carting business, Majella helped him run the trucking operation for 18 years.

The family again moved into the meat trade when they purchased the Mornington Butchery and their sons, Gerard and Bernard, joined their father in the business with David working outside school hours.

Bernard took over the business in 1998 and Majella and Gus enjoyed spending more time with their grandchildren - their home became a meeting place for the family and all kinds of celebrations.

Majella and Gus celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2010 with a gathering of their rapidly growing family.

Majella cared for Gus as his health began to deteriorate and their faith became even more important in their lives as they attended daily mass at St Joseph's.

After the death of her life's partner in September 2018, Majella moved forward in faith supported by her family and friends and her parish community. She loved to hear from her grandchildren and took a keen interest in their lives, never finishing a phone call without saying "God bless, I love you".

She enjoyed spending time with friends - walking in the heated pool each morning, playing cards and making cards.

As the world moved into lock-down and self-isolation because of the corona virus pandemic, Majella's sudden death came as a shock to her wide circle of friends and parishioners.

Sadly, the community she loved was unable to attend her farewell mass in St Joseph's on May 8, but with live streaming, parishioners were able to join the family in spirit and prayer.

Con-celebrated by Majella's brother Fr Paul Gurr and Fr Vince Amaro from St Joseph's, the farewell mass was followed by interment at Gunnedah Memorial Park.

The late Majella Etheridge is survived by her sons Gerard, Bernard and David and daughters Jenny Watterson and Emma McAuliffe and their families, including 15 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers Vince (Maitland) and Paul (Jamberoo), and sister Loretto (Maitland). Majella's brother Gerard predeceased her.