Olive Fogarty will never forget her ex-serviceman and politician husband William Fogarty. 69566 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By Kara Irving
IT’S two weeks away, but Spotswood widow Olive Fogarty is already prepared for her next Legacy meeting.
Every Wednesday for the past nine years the 89-year-old, along with 19 other relatives of ex-serviceman, gather at the Footscray house for salad sandwiches, vegetable soup and general chit-chat.
But 10 years after her husband William’s passing, Mrs Fogarty insists she’ll never forget the love of her life.
“We met at the Sydney Barracks for the annual service dance when he was in the Navy and I was working with the Army,” Olive said.
After serving six years with the Navy, William married his sweetheart in Sydney before moving to Footscray in 1947.
William worked in retail before being elected Mayor of Maribyrnong City Council between 1963-1964 and was even nominated for State Parliament.
Olive is now hoping kind-hearted Victorians will help commemorate Legacy Week, to help fund the organisation that has served her well.
“Legacy Australia has a great interest in widows who are looking for something to do once their partner goes,” she added.
“The group has allowed me to change my life.”
Australians can help Legacy ‘Keep the Promise’ by buying a badge during Legacy Week to honour the lives of ex-servicemen and women between 28 August and 3 September.
