The following messages of condolence and symbols
have been added in memory of Mary.

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.

I will fondly remember Aunt May’s kindness, wee family stories and the historical places of Glasgow, Scotland. Aunt May helped me find my Scottishness.❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
To the family,
I am thinking of you and sending warm thoughts during this time of sorrow.
Elizabeth and Family

Sending my love from Canada and all the family here. A lasting and wonderful memory of my time visiting you and your family in Scotland. ❤
Thoughts and prayers to all. Love Iain-Paul and family.

You will always be with us in our hearts and our thoughts.
Miss you today, tomorrow and always. ❤

I have, and will always adore my wonderful Nana in Australia.
Your love and devotion has always been strong, even oceans apart.
I will continue to cherish the memories I have from yours and papa’s visits to the UK, forevermore. Thank you for being the wonderful lady I know my Nana as, Lisa xx

Your love was unconditional. I will carry that knowledge forever. Mum, I have always loved you and always will.

Dear Fiona & Maureen
I was extremely sad to learn on Monday that Mum had passed away on Saturday 23rd. She has been amazing during her latter years and has been so lucky to have you both to give her so much love and attention!!
I feel quite inadequate writing about Mum, she was such a superb letter writer, always knew exactly what to say and finding the right words. Her letters and cards were always a joy to read.
Mum & I first met in 1965. I was showing photographs of my wedding to members of New Kilpatrick Church choir and it was Mum’s inaugural rehearsal - that was the beginning of a long and happy friendship. During the years we shared the ups & downs of family life, we cried (a lot) & laughed even more. We had tremendous fun in the Church choir, and the Scottish National Orchestra, Alastair also being a member of the SNO. In 1976 250 members of the chorus toured America, a memorable trip indeed. Both families went on holiday to Girvan on the Ayrshire coast, met up for picnics etc, fun & games!! Remember climbing the Byne Hill, and sliding back down on our bahoochies' (there's a good Scottish word, which might need a bit of explaining, we were sore laughing!! In 1978 I moved from Bearsden to Solihull, outside Birmingham. During my absence May & Alastair were so attentive to my Mum, taking her to Church and various activities, also having her for meals in their home. Visits back home always included an evening with May & Alastair perhaps a visit to Helensburgh, where Dad & I played bowls, a serious competition, Alastair usually winning!! As both of you had emigrated to Australia Mum & Dad decided to join you, (a wise decision). I had the great pleasure of visiting in 2004 & 2009 and being thoroughly spoiled, Mum & Dad being the perfect hosts. I enjoyed special celebrations in both your homes and was treated as a member of the family. Mum & Dad took me on trips to show me your wonderful country. A visit to Tasmania & Sydney being highlights I will never forget.
Mum had many talents. Successful in business, a beautiful cook & baker, sewing - dressmaking and embroidery, singing, writing and composing, and keeping a lovely home. She was a wonderful Mum and devoted to her family. She will be greatly missed by all who loved and admired her.
Sending my love and special thoughts to you and your family not forgetting David and his family.
Christine xx

You may have been a bank manager,
You may have sung in many choirs,
You may have been Presedent of the woman's guild,
You may have conducted a sewing bee,
So many things to so many people.

To me you are mum.

Love you mumxx

I have not seen Mrs Ballantine for many years but will always remember her thoughtfulness and kindness to me. May she now rest in peace. God bless.

Loving memories of your gorgeous mum and grandmother "May" Ballantine. Always in our hearts. Sending our heartfelt condolences, prayers and love at this time to Maureen, Fiona, Joe, Sebastian and Natasha. With you in thought today and always. May you will be forever in our hearts and memories xoxo

Keep smiling Mum.
We love you 💕