1925-1989
Father
James Edmond Reynolds
Mother
Doris Evelyn Lincoln
Siblings
Edmond Archibald, Delma Doris, Gladys Beryl, Athol James
Married
Children
Noelene Margaret, Allene Lee
Roma’s Life
Roma was born in Geelong in 1925. She was the middle child of five. An brother and sister either side of her. Her older sister, Delma, died at the age of eleven, leaving a bereft family that never forgot her.
Having left school, Roma undertook office work until in 1944, she joined the Australian Women’s Army Service, attaining the rank of Corporal and working at 3 Australian Base Ordnance Depot.
Her father, James Reynolds, was very proud of her, James, a 19 year old farmer at the time, served during the First World War in the 8th Light Horse Regiment in Egypt and Palestine. James then re-enlisted to support the country’s effort in the Second World War to the Army Citizen Military Forces.
The Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS) was a non-medical women’s service established in Australia during the Second World War. Raised on 13 August 1941 to “release men from certain military duties for employment in fighting units” the service grew to over 20,000-strong and provided personnel to fill various roles including administration, driving, catering, signals and intelligence.
Roma was discharged from the army on 27 September 1946. She then came to Tullamore to visit an Aunt and Uncle who resided there.
It was in Tullamore that she met Joe (Arthur Joseph) Strudwick – they fell in love, married in Victoria in 1950, and returned to Kingower, Tullamore to pursue their farming interests and raise their two daughters. Roma never lost touch with her family; they were frequent and welcome visitors to Kingower.
Roma became the Leader of the Girl Guides and Brownies in Tullamore – she was known as Brown Owl – her daughters became Brownies and Guides attending activities and representing their organisations in Anzac Day parades.
Roma was an amazing cook. She used her talent generously to support local causes. Prior to the Tullamore School Annual Fete, the P&C would provide her with a massive bag of sugar. Roma would set forth making huge quantities of lollies and sweets, Turkish Delight, marshmallows bathed in chocolate, icing sugar and decorations. Her girls loved to help – and sample.
Joe and Roma loved their sport and encouraged their children to participate in Tennis Days, Athletics and follow Tullamore team sporting activities.
Roma lost her beloved Joe to a heart attack in 1967. Her precious daughters were only 16 and 14 years old but Roma stoically continued the running of the farm and nurturing her girls. Her courage was unsurpassed.
She was a very resilient women and an amazing community member with a strong sense of family.
As told by Noelene Strudwick/Guy