Latrobe flood victim Mary Allford honoured in moving service

Mary Allford, 75, of Latrobe, died last week when flood water trapped her in her home, but her love and legacy will live on as her family rally around husband, Noel.

“Nan, I’ll make you a promise,” granddaughter Laura said, fighting back tears of grief.

“I promise our family will get through this, because we have your backbone and pop needs us now, too.”

The contemporary Catholic service was a joyous celebration of Mrs Allford’s life, and while the grief was raw and public, the laughter and warmth of a life well lived buoyed the gathering.

Many times throughout the moving service, sadness gave way to smiles and laughter as Mrs Allford was remembered and headstrong and feisty woman not afraid to stand her ground.

Like her reaction to being locked out of the house one night by Noel.

“You went to the wood shed and found an axe,” Laura said. “You came back to the door and thought to yourself, I’m going to get in here tonight, even if I have to smash the damn door down.

“You swung the axe and you did, and the door opened.”

She was remembered as being dedicated to her husband and family, while remaining strong and true to her beliefs.

“Mary loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren unconditionally, and good luck if you had something bad to say about anyone in her family,” Fr John Girdauskas said.

Mrs Allford’s family chose that Fr Girdauskas give their eulogy.

“Loving, caring, generous, devoted, thoughtful, beautiful and irreplaceable are all words that her family say to describe Mary,” he said. “Oh, and did I mention a little stubborn at times,” he added.

But while family was central to Mrs Allford, she was more than that.

Mourners heard about her passion for gardening, reading, family history, and a lifelong love of sport that saw her take part competitively and play a supporting role at the local football club.

“Might I say she washed more football jumpers than most over a long period,” Fr Girdauskas said.

Son, Mark Allford, said that the community’s warm embrace had helped him and his family cope with the loss of their matriarch. 

He also praised the emergency workers who saved his father and fought so valiantly to rescue his mother.

“Three extremely brave policemen, who over a six hour period put their lives at risk a number of times attempting to get to mum and dad. Amazing, courageous men,” he said.