Phone: (03) 5482 1111
Mavis Isobel Bubb August 20, 1916 _ July 14, 2010
Mavis Bubb was a hardworking and successful Echuca businesswoman who was devoted to her family and community.
Mavis and her husband Murray ran a watchmaker and jewellers business in Hare St for more than 40 years and when Murray passed away from cancer in February 1978, aged 62, Mavis, also 62, took up the challenge of running the business alone.
``She wasn't ready to retire and she marched on,'' Mavis' youngest child, Stephen said.
``She operated the business by herself for a further 10 years until December 1987. During that time (the shop was open) from 9am to 5.30pm week days, Saturday mornings and late Friday night. And she would be there.''
Stephen said his parents made an adventurous move when they shifted to Echuca after World War II to take over the business.
``In today's terms you would say they were undercapitalised,'' Stephen said.
``Mum put her wedding presents and personal items in the shop to fill up the stock.
``She put a bit extra on the price so if they did sell, it was worth it.
``Dad sat in the shop window with an eye piece and fixed his own watch every day until someone came in for a repair.''
Mavis Paternoster was born in the middle of World War I, when Billy Hughes was prime minister and Fitzroy won the flag.
She had two brothers, twin Ron, and Harry, who was a year older.
When she was five, her mother died and at 12, her father.
After losing her mother, Mavis was cared for by different family members until she found a happy home with Nell Hughes at Northcote.
During World War II, Mavis' employment including working at Coles as head of the lolly counter at the Footscray store.
Ron played back pocket and ruck for Footscray.
Mavis married Murray Bubb on March 4, 1941, when he was serving in the air force, where he trained as an instrument maker. When the war ended, Murray developed his qualification to become a watchmaker.
The Bubbs were living in the back of the Echuca shop when the first three of their four children were born _ Wayne, Jenni and Glenda.
By the time Stephen arrived they had bought a house in Dickson St next to the convent and St Joseph's College.
``That was the only house Mum and Dad owned,'' Stephen said.
``The family lived there for 50 years until Mum was moved into Southern Cross. We all have a lot of great memories of that house.''
Stephen said the business was a big part of the Bubb children's life.
``We all worked in the shop in some capacity _ cleaning windows, wrapping, dusting and sales. Wayne even had a go at security,'' he said.
Mavis and Murray became active members of the Echuca community. They played tennis and Mavis supported Murray's involvement with the swimming club, athletics association and Rotary.
Mavis' passions were the kindergarten, where she served on the executive committee for 25 years and the Business and Professional Women's (BPW) Association, where she actively promoted business women during the 1960s and 1970s when business was dominated by men.
``Those two activities, the preschool and BPW are examples of Mum's character, strength and foresight,'' Stephen said.
Mavis loved travelling and, leaving Murray to run the shop, visited Europe, Canada and China in the era when Mao's last dancer was learning to dance.
``(She) might have started undercapitalised and no doubt did it tough at times, but she made sure the children were given every opportunity and never went without,'' Stephen said.
Later in life, Mavis formed a strong friendship with district businessman Eric Bates.
Stephen said as constant companions the pair forged the record for the most meals at Moama Bowling Club, eating lunch and dinner there almost every day for many years.
Stephen estimated in five years they consumed 6000 meals, initially with Eric driving them over and later catching the courtesy bus.
Mavis and Eric moved into Moama's Southern Cross Apartments in 2004, where they received excellent care.
Eric died in November 2007.
