Vale: Eileen Scott

PALMWOODS lost a truly caring and sharing identity with the death of Eileen Scott last month.

Eileen Musgrove was born on April 17, 1918, on the Darling Downs where she grew up and spent happy teenage years, despite the hardships of the Depression.

She has lived in Palmwoods since 1939, where she arrived to work as a nurse at the old Palmwoods Hospital which operated from 1924-1942.

Eileen married Arthur Scott in 1942, who was away on active war service in New Guinea until late 1945.

Arthur and Eileen moved to their home at the corner of Eudlo and Chevallum Roads at Christmas 1949 where, as well as raising her three children, Eileen took an active role in the community.

She joined the Palmwoods Women’s Auxiliary of the Returned Services League in 1952. In 1958, she became a founding member and first president of the North Coast Women’s Auxiliary and later was named Life Patroness.

Eileen worked hard at fund raising, all monies benefiting returned soldiers mainly through War Veteran’s Homes. Melbourne Cup Day at the Palmwoods Hall was a memorable day and other fund raisers included local dances, catering for the Chelsea Flower Show and street stalls. Eileen was a good leader and a tireless worker.

In 1974, she was awarded the Gold Badge and Life Membership of the Palmwoods Women’s Auxiliary. It was only in December 1997, after 45 years service, the last 13 as president, that Eileen’s ill-health forced her to retire.

Eileen was also committed to the Queensland Sub-Normal Children’s Welfare Association, now known as the Endeavour foundation. She was president for seven years of the 17 she spent on the committee and helped in fund raising, mainly through working in the Op Shops.

In recent years, Eileen has always turned up to commemorate Anzac Day at the Palmwoods State School and tended a stall with Arthur at the Country Fair. She loved the Palmwoods community and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.