Blog
-
Justin Cleary (1885-1961)
Relationship: Maternal Great Grandfather
When Justin Cleary was born on January 7, 1885, in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, his father, Charles, was 27 and his mother, Hannah, was 42. He married Mary Ann Bushby on March 5, 1907, in Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. They had nine children in 15 years.
He died on July 7, 1961, in Morwell, Victoria, Australia, at 76, and was buried in Yallourn, Victoria, Australia.
Life Events
- Justin Cleary was born on January 7, 1885, in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, to Hannah Peacock, age 42, and Charles John Cleary, age 27.
- Justin Cleary married Mary Ann Bushby in Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, on March 5, 1907, when he was 22 years old.
- Justin Cleary lived in Emerald Hill a suburban area in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, in 1922.
- Justin died on July 7, 1961, in Morwell, Victoria, Australia, when he was 76. (Death Certificate for Justin Cleary No. 11966/61)
- Justin was interred at Yallourn Cemetary, Victoria, Australia in 1961.
- FamilySearch ID: L2MS-42G
-
6 Years On. Dear Mom.
August 2, 2024
Dear Mom,
Today marks six years since you left us, and not a day goes by that I don’t think about you and miss you dearly. Your love and guidance have always been my anchor, and I find myself constantly drawing strength from the memories we shared. I wish you were here to see how much you’ve shaped my life and the person I’ve become.
This past year has been particularly eventful. We had the wonderful experience of hosting an exchange student, Michele (Michael). It was incredible to see the world through his eyes and to share our culture with him. As you had seen with our first two guys, they all become like family, and Michele’s presence reminded me of how much you valued family. I have often thought of how proud you’d be of this enriching and educational journey. You would have loved Michele, as I know you would have loved all of our kids.
We spent some time traveling around the USA, which I know you probably miss more than anything. We went to a few new places, and reacquainted ourselves with a few from years gone by. There have been so many locations where I’ve shared with Chris or Michele about how much you would have loved being there. Moreso when we revisited the Grand Canyon, and drove along Route 66. Traveling provides opportunities to enjoy moments of quiet reflection, and there were times when I felt your spirit alongside me. You always loved to travel, and I carried a part of you with me on every trip.
I still often find myself thinking to call you and talk about the things we are doing, and I hope you feel those moments as strongly as I do.
I miss you every single day, Mom. Your absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but I find comfort in knowing that your love surrounds me always. Thank you for being the incredible mother you were, and for continuing to inspire me even from afar.
With all my love,
James -
Meet Luca
Luca was exchange student number 3, from Germany. He arrived in August 2018 and departed in January 2019.
-
Meet Tong
Tong (whose name is Itiwat) was our first exchange student from Thailand. He arrived in October 2014 (after being relocated from a dairy farm) and left in June 2015.
-
Meet Simon
Simon was our 4th exchange student, and the second from Beligum. He arrived at the beginning of the 2021 school year, and left in June 2022.
-
Meet Emile
Emile was our 2nd exchange student, and the first from Belgium. He arrived at the start of the 2015 school year, and left in January 2016.
-
Our German Exchange Student ’23-’24
My amazing husband, Chris, pushed out this video last night about our most recent Exchange Student, Michele. He told me he wanted to make a video and sat outside on the porch for hours working on this. When I say hours, I saw this when I woke up this morning, because at 3 AM he was still working on this. I’m so proud of him for the work that he put into this summary of the year, and more importantly, the ability to talk through what this program and Michele have meant for both of us (his words, and I take no credit).
Please enjoy the video, and give it a thumbs up on YouTube.
If you think hosting an exchange student would be a fun experience for you and your family, let me know.
