Eliza was the 9th child of James Hickey and Johannah Mulconry, who were both born in County Tipperary, Ireland.
Eliza was born in June 1866 in Port Stephens NSW and married George Stevens on 18 September 1889. The first two years of their marriage was spent on the Myall River and then she lived at ‘Killarney’, Dyers Crossing for 49 years with her husband, George and family.
She was known for her charitable activities in both the Krambach and Bulahdelah areas. During the strenuous period of the war, Mrs. Stevens was an indefatigable worker on behalf of the soldiers. Furthermore, she had two sons there – Messrs. John and James, who both served in the A.I.F. and both of whom were fortunate enough to return to Australia.1
Her activities included the Red Cross, also all charitable movements – hospital and district. Her home was noted for its hospitality, hence the widespread esteem in which she was held.2
Eliza was 71 years of age when she passed, May 11, 1938, leaving her husband George, nine children and 17 grandchildren. Eliza also raised two nephews and a niece.3
Author: Joan Holmes (nee Stevens)
More Stevens’ stories:
George Stevens: https://midcoaststories.com/2018/10/george-stevens-of-killarney-dyers-crossing/
James Hickey Stevens: https://midcoaststories.com/2018/09/james-hickey-stevens/
John Daniel Stevens: https://midcoaststories.com/2019/02/bombardier-john-daniel-stevens/
Stevens Brothers’ Letters Home WW1: https://midcoaststories.com/2019/02/stevens-brothers-letters-home-ww1/
Eliza and George Stevens’ daughters: https://midcoaststories.com/2019/01/the-stevens-daughters/
Eliza and George Stevens’ Sons: https://midcoaststories.com/2019/01/the-stevens-sons/
References:
1 Catholic Press, 9 June 1938, 37.
2 Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of NSW, 18 May 1938, 2.
3 Catholic Press, 9 June 1938, 37.
