Barbara Valencia Sanderson 19/2/1929 -6/8/2016 Barbara Valencia Sanderson was born on 19 February 1929 in Toowoomba Base Hospital. Barbara was the 7th child of 13 born to Arthur & Maud Sanderson, sister to Cyril, Edna, Evelyn, Arthur Thyellsan, Bill, Robert, Dawn, Patricia, Ray, Dell, Bert and Garry. In the early years Barbara lived with her family at Durong a small country town between Jandowae and Kingaroy. As with large families during the depression years Barbara help on the family farm by assisting her mum with helping to look after her younger siblings. Barbara herself was still only a child. It was about this time Barbara’s Grandmother and Grandfather took her to Brisbane to live and attend St. James Catholic School at Coorparoo. After attending the Brisbane school, Barbara and her Grandparents moved to Pilton State School where she attended in 1937 and then revisited in 2013 for the 100 year centenary celebrations of the Pilton School. Soon after moving to Pilton with her Grandparents her father took her back to the family home. We hear many stories of her school days riding to school with her siblings on the horses, and fun they had being just a child. During her teenage years Barbara, like most young adults enjoyed attending dances and outings with her siblings and friends. She also used to enjoy playing the banjo and piano accordion with her older brother Bill at some of the local dances and sometimes could also be found on the back of one of her brother’s motorbikes. I remember at a family Christmas day at her sister Dawn’s house at Southbrook she decided she could still ride on a motorbike. So her nephew Murray with Barbara on the back of the motor bike set off with her yelling and screaming realizing her motorbike days were no longer. In the fifties Barbara moved to Toowoomba where she worked as a house keeper and assisted with the children. In the late fifties Barbara welcomed her only child Mark. Barbara, Mark and her 2 younger brothers, Bert and Garry lived with her parents at Toowoomba. Barbara was now workings at Knights drycleaners in Toowoomba were she learnt this trade during the early sixties. Barbara then moved onto her only other workplace at Ballie Henderson Hospital in the Laundry. Barbara continued working for approximately 30 years there where she progressed to be the laundry manager. She had made some lifelong friendships at Ballie Henderson Hospital. Mark at 17 obtained his driver’s license and as he drove Barbara around to work and shopping he suggested to her she should try to obtain her driver’s license. At the age of 49 Barbara decided she would get her driver’s license. After 13 failed attempts the Toowoomba Police licensing felt sorry for her and gave her the driving license. To this day I still hear from her grandchildren Adam and Danielle how they were traumatized while being driven around as a passenger in the car –I was informed Nana was stopping at roundabouts. I told them that’s what she is meant to do, but I later found out she was not stopping at the roundabout, she was actually stopping on the roundabout itself and letting the other cars enter. I believe Adam who was 13 at the time was trying to convince Nana to let him drive as he wasn’t keen on the cars behind them getting upset. Fortunately after leaving New Zealand, we returned to Australia Barbara decided (with a little direction from her family) that she may not pass the driving test again and mum we can drive you around anyway. In 1983 Mark and Suzanne got married, Barbara was overjoyed with having a daughter in law and 2 grandchildren, but soon after, Mark was transferred to Brisbane for work and Barbara was still in Toowoomba. Barbara spent a lot of time with her sister Dawn and her husband in Toowoomba and then often on weekends drove to Brisbane to visit Mark and the family. In 1989 Barbara’s health suffered a bit of a hiccup. We had discovered while she was at work she could sometimes be found having a bit of a nap on the couch at work. We convinced her to see the Doctor where it was discovered she was now a diabetic. Later that year Mark and Suzanne were about to build a new house and after discussion with Barbara, she left work and moved to Brisbane to live with her family to ensure her health was being looked after and allow more time with the grand children. Then soon after moving to Brisbane, Mark was again transferred, this time to New Zealand. This turned out to be great adventure for Barbara. We had moved to Hamilton New Zealand, where Barbara’s younger sister Dell had been living for the past 30 years. Renewed friendship with her sister and family flourished. Barbara continued her love of walking and tramping, joining walking groups where she often would go on overnight hikes, once being snowed in and trapped at Mount Ruapehu. After 3 years we all returned to Brisbane with Barbara continuing her love of walking, gardening and reading. She would often have disagreement with Mark if he mowed the lawn or attempted any gardening as he would mow it to short or trim the trees to much. When we returned to Brisbane Barbara became a member of the Sunnybank Parish, Our Lady of Lourdes friendship group where she enjoyed the activities and friendship. Over the years she enjoyed her family and her friendships especially with the neighbors. She enjoyed her outings and bus trips. She still could be found walking the 2 Boxer dogs and then a little later on, although a little slower with Byron the Cavoodle. Her two grandchildren had now married with Emma and Kevin joining the family, soon after her great grandchildren arrived: Deacon, followed by Lillie, Blair and Sidney. She enjoyed her family especially the great grand children. Often the great grandkids (and grand kids) would be found up at Barb’s fridge and cupboards looking for the treats she would have for them. (Danielle) Nana was always there for us. She was generally up before we got up, made the bed for us before we had finished in the shower and was there for when we got home from school. Always one to have a treat ready for us when we returned home. Nana welcomed in many of our friends as they made themselves at home. She was nana to them too. She was the ever willing participant of games and activities. From attending my home ‘restaurants’, to playing Uno with my daughter Blair. As mentioned earlier, she loved having treats for the kids. Often we had to tell her and the kids that there would be no more treats, as dinner was about to be served. Sure enough, we would wander up the hall shortly after to see nana with the kids perched up on her chair with her, and all three of them with a bowl of chips in their hands. Most of Barbara’s friends would remember her willingness to assist and friendship she would give to all. She never complained just eager to help. The last eight months was a struggle for her, her health was failing, no longer able to walk the dog, or enjoy the gardening but still managed small walks until the last few months. Barbara was still able to enjoy her love of reading and even on the day before she passed away had started a new novel and enjoyed her other love of watching the rugby league. Still in a footy competition we would place her selections for her, Mark would often say mum this team hasn’t a chance, but she often got that winner. I am sure she got a bit of assistance in tipping from watching Wally and the footy show. Friday night at Greenslopes hospital before Suzanne & I left to go home, I had asked if she wanted the television switched on as there was a game on, but I said it wasn’t her beloved Broncos, but Manly and Eels. She asked it to be left on, the game had started and before I said good bye to her, I had warned her not to get too excited and yell instructions to the players and the ref as she was known to do, I said Mum you might upset the others in the hospital ward, she grinned. With that Suzanne & I said goodbye, she waved to us as we left, and we said we will visit her next morning, with the children and great grandchildren. The early hours of Saturday morning Barbara (Mum, Nana, Barb as she was known) passed peacefully away in her sleep. We will all miss her, her memories, her love, she will always be with us, and sorry Blair, Nana will not be on You Tube. Love always, Mark, Suzanne, Adam, Emma, Danielle, Kevin, Deacon, Lillie, Blair and Sidney. (ADAM) I remember, I remember as a young fella staying at Nanna’s House, Her bedtime stories were made up and very unique, Her mashed potato was soft, fluffy and very yummy. I remember her moving into our house, I never had to make my bed. When I first started work I use to come home for lunch that Nanna would have ready for me. I use to weed the nieghbours garden for money, but Nanna would help and probably do most of it. I remember living in New Zealand. Nanna would throw down some balls at me in the backyard playing cricket, I’d smash them over the house and one went through the window. We went Blueberry picking (My first Job) Nanna was a machine, I don’t think I picked to many berries. Her driving to pick us up from school through one of the biggest roundabouts in Hamilton, stopping to let people on and waving them in. I just shut my eyes. I remember her walking the dogs, Sari, Ceaser and Byron. A long walk in the morning and another in the afternoon. Nanna would come back with some stories true or not who would know. I remember our Thursday night chats. We’d talk about when Nanna was younger. When everyone was at skating and I probably had to much to drink. I remember her watching the Broncos And hearing her yelling from the other room, Ohhh not again, Don’t let them do it again. Until we realized it was a replay. Her favourite players, Little Alfie and Darren Lockyer but don’t mention that cheat Andrew Johns. I will remember her last words to me, On the phone, talking footy and asking about the kids. I will remember you Nanna, I love you
