Vera Buckingham
From Our Contribution
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| Headstone Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1915 |
| Age at Death | 93 years |
| Additional Names | Ronald William Buckingham |
| Transcription | In Loving Memory of Vera Buckingham (Nee Treeby). Died 5 June 2008. Age 93 years. Wife of Ron. Mother of Jean, Faye, Maurice and Roslyn. A Gentle Lady Lobed by all. |
Contents
Early Life
Vera Buckingham (Nee Treeby) was born 25 February 1915 at Nurse Harper's in Kelmscott. Vera was the daughter of Joseph and Ethel Treeby. Vera wrote that she recalled moving from Bedfordale to Armadale, into the 'Oakland' property on Forrest Road, in 1922. Vera's siblings were Harry, Olive, Stella, Rita, Lillian, Jessie, Emily and Laurel. [A portion of Vera's memoirs are available at Birtwistle Local Studies Library]
Marriage and Children
Vera married Ronald William Buckingham (Ron) on the 31st of October 1936 at St Matthews Anglican Church in Armadale. The pair were married by Rev. Joseph Budge. Vera and Ron had four children: Jean (1937), Faye (1939), Maurice (1941) and Roslyn (1950).
According to a family-penned history of the couple's early years together, Vera was 16 years old when she first met Ron at the Subiaco Markets, her first thought was "This is the man I want to marry when I'm old enough". After 5 years of courting they got engaged in February 1936.
Residences
After returning from their honeymoon, Vera and her new husband Ron, lived with Ron's parents at 71 Brookton Highway, then known as River Road. They stayed there until Ron had made enough cement bricks to build their own house across the road. They had 12 acres of orchard to attend to, growing every type of fruit, vegetables and flowers.
Shop and Farm
At one time Vera and Ron had grown 30,000 gladioli corms. Flowers were sold to a florist in Claremont and Boans, Coles and Woolworths in Perth. Vera often drove the truck to make the deliveries. Devonshire teas were sold at a kiosk at 71 Brookton Highway with Vera's scones soon becoming famous. Eventually the farm was sold but a block with the house and general store was retained.
Later Life
Vera played pennant bowls and was Armadale Singles Champion five times with the Armadale Bowling Club. She was Treasurer for her church for many years (the Congregational Church in Kelmscott).
Death
Vera died on 5 June 2008. Age 93 years.
Notes
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