Mary Simpson “May” Ballantine 12 June, 1931 – 23 September, 2023

Ahalya Shakespeare

My Memories of Aunty May I first met Aunty May’s eldest daughter Maureen on the first day at work in October 1986, when I joined the Victorian Legal Aid Commission. On the day I started Maureen invited me to have coffee at a place called “Nicks” which was a coffee café that was frequented by the staff. This invitation started a long and close friendship that has lasted the test of time for many decades. Over the years Maureen and I shared many stories about our lives and particularly our families. We were both in Melbourne and missed not having our immediate families in the same city. Maureen was very excited that her sister Fiona had decided to move to Melbourne. Soon after Fiona’s arrival to Australia I met her and was also included in her circle of friends. Maureen shared the happy news when Fiona had met Joe and they decided to get married. I first met Aunty May the day that Fiona got married to Joe. I soon discovered that Aunty May was very talented. The wedding took place in a church which was located in the Melbourne city centre. Aunty May sang at Fiona’s wedding. She had a beautiful voice. When we got back to Maureen’s place for a reception Aunty May came up to me and said “Hello Ahalya I have heard a lot about you. I hope you like Fi’s wedding dress too. I made it”. I told her that the dress was beautiful and that I liked Maureen’s dress and her dress. She told me that she made that too. Aunty May’s speech at the reception to the couple was warm and witty. This stared a friendship between us that lasted for 30 years. Shortly after Maureen’s parents moved to Australia and settled in Mount Martha. I had regular conversations with Aunty May. She gave me a lot of advice. She often spoke about her working days at the bank in Scotland and her work as a bank manager. On several occasions I visited Aunty Mays home and had dinner and or an afternoon tea. Everything that was served was made by Aunty May. Her roasts, vegetables, puddings, cakes and scones were so delicious. It was always served so elegantly using her best China. So much so that I always felt that I was treated as a VIP. Her generosity extended to all aspects of her life. My husband and I were the recipient of a number of gifts which were often made by Aunty May and this also extended to my children. I rang Aunty May regularly and specially on her birthday in June. She was a very practical person and full of common sense. It was uplifting to talk to Aunty May and no topic was spared. She often spoke about Scotland and about her son David who lived in the UK as she missed him and told me that she worries about him. Aunty May missed not being able to see her granddaughter (David’s daughter) who lives in the UK. One of her saddest moments was losing her life partner just before their 60th Wedding Anniversary. I remember going out for dinner with Aunty May and Maureen just after her loss. Auntie May was chatting about her life as a young newly married wife and mother. It was clear that she enjoyed telling her story. The passing of a strong but gentle woman like Aunty May is leaves a gap in her children and friends life. Over nine decades she gave a lot to her family, friends and to the church which everyone cherished and indeed her memory will have a longlasting impact for all who knew her. May she rest in peace.