Cecilie Mortlock has been remembered by family members as a 'community jewel' after her passing in February, aged 77.

"Mum gave her all to those she lived with, whom she met through business, community and friendship," son Steve Mortlock said.

Cecilie's life was a very active one.

Starting off as a cleaner, in the years ahead she proved to be a well respected business owner in Griffith where she lived a wholesome life.

A jack of all trades, she worked as a shop assistant, waitress, dry cleaners, at the Chinese restaurant and many more.

"Mum chose to work so that us kids could not want for anything. She was very involved with community."

She was active with the health council, community centre, Arafmi and Cag - just to name a few.

One of her many passions was encouraging children in sport.

She spent time on the PCYC community where she was affectionately known as 'Mrs Morty'.

Cecilie played basketball, netball and softball, and recognising the importance of keeping active, she helped organise holidays for children whose parents could not afford to take themselves.

"Dad was in the fire brigade for many years and mum whilst living at the fire station could be seen flying from home to the fire station in her nightie so she could ring the bells and take care of the phones to help with fires."

Cecilie and Richard Mortlock would have celebrated their 60 year anniversary this November.

"Even though she had her moments she wouldn't have had it any other way.

"Mum left us on her own terms, at home in her retirement dream home with family and friends."

In 2008 she started her journey for researching family history, and found many lost family members and stories which she listened too with great enjoyment.

Mum took her dream holiday to England in 2010 with Richard and auntie Jan, where they spent six weeks researching family history.

She made friends which became close, almost like family thereafter.

"Mum made friends easily and kept them close for many years."

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Eileen Kyslan and Yvonne Wilson were partners in crime. They were creative and made flowers, ceramics and crocheting and went many times going out of Griffith to sell at the markets.

She and Margaret Hornery loved to go to the river catching rabbits, fishing and camping.

"I recall mum and Margaret tricked us into eating so called chicken but ended up to be rabbit."

Cecilie loved her cousins deeply and enjoyed her last few weeks being pampered by Cecilia (Sissy), Doreen (her niece) and Steven.

"Mum, like us cherished every moment. We are all going to miss her deeply. She was an angel on earth and now an angel in heaven - May she rest in peace."