September 1924 William Callaghan, Mary’s father was appointed as Warder, General Div., Penal & Gaols Branch.

 Mary born 6 June 1931 to William Callaghan and Ruby Teresa Gorman. Family lived at 41 Walsh Street, Coburg from 1931 to 1937.

 WOMAN DROWNED IN CREEK.

JUMPED IN TO RESCUE BOY.

Promptitude of Prison Warders. Two warders at the Metropolitan Prison, Pentridge, left their posts and jumped from the prison wall yesterday afternoon going to the recuse of Mrs. Jessie Rebecca White, aged about 30 years, of Cope Street, Coburg who was struggling in the Merri Creek. Mrs. White was drowned when attempting to rescue her son Warwick, aged 12 years. Mrs. White and her son were fishing in the creek with hand-nets for yabbies. While the boy was dragging in his net, he over- balanced and fell into the water. Mrs. White screamed and jumped into save him. Senior warder William Callaghan who was on duty at one of the look out posts on the prison, heard the scream and he saw Mrs. White struggling in the water with the boy. Callaghan rang the prison alarm bell and jumped from the post onto the ground 9ft. below. He was assisted by another warder, George Williams Callaghan pulled the boy out of the water and Williams dived for Mrs. White who had disappeared. After two attempts, Williams recovered the body in 10ft of water. The woman had been in the creek for about 10 minutes, and attempts by the warders and a doctor to resuscitate were unsuccessful. The boy recovered quickly. Mrs. White's body was taken to the morgue by Constable Kingdom of Coburg. The Argus, 21 January 1931.

 ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY: Awards Granted.

The directors of the Royal Humane Society of Australasia have granted the following awards: … Certificates of Merit - Henry Brown, Johns (SA); William Edward Stanley Thornton, Surrey Hills, George Williams, Coburg William Callaghan. Coburg, … The Argus, 14 November 1931.

5 Apr 1937 William is appointed Superintendent, Reformatory Prison Beechworth.

1942 ER William is working at Beechworth Prison.

Mary was 20 years old when she began her general nursing training at the ODH in 1951. 

ABOUT PEOPLE

At the nurses’ first professional examination held on May 30 and 31, among the names just released of successful candidates was that of Nurse M. V. T. Callaghan, of the Ovens District Hospital, Beechworth. Nurse Callaghan is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Callaghan, of Beechworth. Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 27 June 1951.

COMING-OF-AGE PARTY

Mr. and Mrs. W. Callaghan entertained over 100 guests at Beechworth Town Hall on Saturday, 7th June, to celebrate the coming of age of their only daughter, Mary.

The guests included a number of Miss Callaghan’s friends from the nursing staffs of the [Beechworth and Wangaratta hospitals.

Miss Callaghan’s frock was of lemon Swiss organza over apple green taffeta with very full skirt, and bodice trimmed with diamanté buttons, and a green velvet sash. With it she wore a green slipper orchid.

The evening was spent dancing to music provided by Quinton’s orchestra, of Wangaratta until 11.15 p.m., when the guests adjourned to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Callaghan for supper.

They were welcomed by the host and hostess and during supper Miss Callaghan cut the beautiful two-tiered birthday cake which was iced in a deep cream color, and suitably decorated.

 On behalf of St. Joseph's Youth 'Club, the Rev. Father Hickey presented Miss Callaghan with a picture of the Madonna and Child.

 Her many other beautiful gifts included a crystal cake dish from the office and nursing Staff - of the Ovens District Hospital.

 Father Hickey and several other speakers congratulated: Miss Callaghan on attaining her majority and wished her every good fortune. in the coming years. Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 14 June 1952.

June 1953 Mary became engaged to John Quinton. Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 6 June 1953 

 Date of qualification 23 January 1954.

March 1954 – Mary’s address is Governor’s residence, Beechworth Training Prison.

HOSPITAL COMMITTEE ACCEPTS RESIGNATIONS OF MATRON AND SISTER

… Sister M.V.T. Callaghan, sister on the staff of the hospital, tendered her resignation owing to her approaching marriage. This was accepted and thanks were extended to Sister Callaghan for the service she had given the hospital. Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 23 October 1954.

20 November 1954, Mary married John James Quinton, a printer. See Wedding Bells

Headstone Transcription – Beechworth Cemetery

CALLAGHAN

In loving memory of Ruby Teresa CALLAGHAN died 4th May 1959 aged 63 years & William CALLAGHAN died 24th April 1974 aged 78 years.

- Ruby Teresa CALLAGHAN buried 6th May 1959. William CALLAGHAN buried 26th April 1974, aged 79, late residence: Melbourne. (RC, Sect. C, No. 763)

 1963 ER Mary and her husband are in Lindisfarne, Tasmania.

From at least 1968, Mary lived in the ACT until her death in May 2021.

Quinton, Mary Veronica

6 June 1931 – 26 May 2021

Loving wife of John James Quinton (dec.). Mother and mother in law of Katrina & Tony, Jacinta & Michael. Nanna of Jack, Stephanie and Emma. Great nanna of Lachlan.

Rest in peace.

The funeral service for Mary will be held in the Chapel of Norwood Park Crematorium, Sandford Street, Mitchell, on Friday 4 June 2021 commencing at 1:30 pm. William Cole Funerals. Canberra Times, 29 May 2021.

©Anne Hanson, 2024                                                                                                                               E-mail:  Anne Hanson