Of Tragedy and Valor
Shirley Dawn Rumbelow

Shirely Dawn Rumbelow (nee Heath) was born a twin with Flora Dawn in Adelaide 1925 to parents were Frederick and Frances Eleanor “Ella” Heath. She would later marry Geoffrey Malin Rumbelow was born at Victor Harbor on 27th December 1943.

Shirley and Dawn were sisters of Margaret and a brother, Frederick. Margaret was 12 years older than the twins and this age gap saw Margaret become a strong influence throughout their lives. Shirley’s brother Federick would suffer from cancer and die in the 1940s.

Shirley’s parents separated in 1935 when the twins were about 10 years of age. They remained with their mother living in rented accommodation frequently moving. Shirley attended several primary schools located throughout Adelaide. 

Like many Shirley left school at 14 years of age and worked as a domestic on Kangaroo Island with her mother.

At 15 years of age the Second World War erupted. Shirley and sister Dawn were drawn into production in support of the War Effort. They worked at a production factory ANZAC Highway, Keswick. Margaret joined the WAAC’s. It was during the war years that Shirley met Geoff Rumbelow. 

Geoff, a Rat of Tobruk, had returned from the Middle East with the 2/48th Battalion for recreation and leave, prior to moving to the islands north of Australia to repel the Japanese. However, he suffered a crippling broken leg when his horse fell on him. This saw Geoff in plaster for 9 months and further rehabilitation for the duration of the remainder of the war. Geoff was stationed then at Keswick Barracks – just down the road from the production unit at which Shirley and Dawn worked. A meeting and a relationship followed.

Shirley and Geoff were married on the 27 December 1943 at the Yilki Church. Don Bartel was Best Man and Jean Heath was Matron of Honour.

Geoff was stationed at Keswick Barracks until the conclusion of the War. Immediately following the War, Geoff was employed by the SA Harbours Board in Port Adelaide. Geoff and Shirley lived at Wayville when they welcomed their first son, 

• Ian Charles was born on 25 May 1946. 

Shirley and Geoff returned to Yilki, Victor Harbor and took up residence where they remained for the rest of their married life, living originally in a cottage and then moving into Geoff’s mothers home. The remainder of Geoff and Shirley’s five children were born at Victor Harbor:

• James Malen was born on 28 October 1948

• Lynnette Dawn was born on 20 April 1952

• John Eric was born on 15 September 1955

• Susan Margaret was born on 13 July 1958

Shirley’s father Fred, did not reappear in her life until 1955. Fred moved to Yilki Victor Harbor for the last months of his life, passing away on the 6 May 1955.

At Yilki Shirley’s activities included looking after the children of the marriage. The Electricity was not connected until 1959, with town water available in the early 60’s with sewerage connected in 1974. Lamps and refrigeration require kerosine while ironing required Shellite to power to the iron. Geoff and Shirley established a sand and metal supply business, with Shirley managing the books. 

Tragically Geoff died on 16th May 1975. Geoff was drowned in heavy seas whilst attempting to retrieve his boat which had broken anchor and was drifting out to sea. He was rowing his dinghy when it was swamped by a big wave about 300 yards from the shore off Yilki.

Shirley had to sell the business following Geoff’s death and attended to the care of Geoff’s mother Ruby Lillian in purpose made bed-sit.  Ultimately Ruby moved into her late 80’s and early 90’s this task become too demanding and moved to residential care, passing away in the early 80’s.

Shirley proceeded to purchase a new Honda Civic, and gained her driver’s licence at 50 years of age. Having a car gave her a new sense of freedom, and a love for travel, Shirley went to many parts of around Australia. Shirley’s travelled with Gwen Rumbelow as far as Cains visiting twin-sister, Dawn and husband Owen Godfrey.

In 1983 Shirley decided to relocate to the Reynella Retirement Lodge, this being closer to her children. She was very active on the social front and enjoyed being involved. She was an organiser of much of the functions held in the complex. 

Shirley then moved to the Everard Park Lifecare to closer to family. She was still very mobile, still driving, and again entered the social aspects of village life.

Shirley’s twin sister Dawn visited on several occasions. The sisters were close. Shirley hosted Dawn and they travelled to Encounter Bay and the Fleurieu Peninsula revisiting places familiar in times past.

Shirley made many friends at the village. While still very active she celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends at a function to recognise this achievement.

At the age of 91 Shirley sold her second car and surrendered her licence.

Whilst in semi-assisted care, Shirley suffered a fall breaking her hip in 2018. Unfortunately she never recovered her ability to walk, resulting in incapacitation and confined to her room, bed, and reclining chair, with occasional moves about in a wheelchair. 

This did not curtail some activities. Shirley and her daughter Lynn travelled to New Zealand, and Shirley was always very pleased to attend weddings of the grandchildren and travelled interstate on several occasions.

On the 6th of May 2023 Shirley passed peacefully at 98 years of age surrounded by loved ones.

Death notice for
RUMBELOW, Shirley Dawn

Shirley Dawn RUMBELOW

Passed Peacefully, 98 years of age, formerly of Encounter Bay.

Loved and loving Wife of Geoffrey ( deceased) - Late 2nd/48th Batt. ADF - Rat of Tobruk.

Mother of Ian ( Charlie ), Jim, Lynnette, John and Susan.

Mother-in-law to Elizabeth, Rosie, Robert, Valerie and Gene.

Loving Sister to Margaret , Fred and Dawn.

Grandmother of George ( Darren ), Matthew, Greg, Sarah, Mieka, Adam, Kate, Scott and Amelia.

Great Grandmother of 11.

A long and industrious life spent serving her community. A life based on a foundation of friendships.

Will be sorely missed.

Donations to Legacy would be kindly appreciated.

For service details please contact the family.

10/01/1925 - 06/05/2023