Life Story

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Elizabeth Macafee was born in 1898 at Pirron Yalloak into a well-established and supportive family. Her parents, Robert Calvert Macafee and Honora Agnes Costello—known as Nora—had married at St Mary’s Church, Colac, in 1895. 

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At that time, Robert was the local postmaster, later becoming the storekeeper. He was likely continuing the work of his father, Robert Boyd Macafee. Nora, also came from a well-known district family, her father having owned the Mamre Hotel.

 

By the time Elizabeth was born, the couple already had three young children, James, Ida, and Elizabeth; all under the age of three.

 

Elizabeth’s life was brief. She lived for just under five months, her death attributed to spina bifida and meningitis following an illness lasting several months. Medical knowledge and treatment options at the time were limited, and survival rates for such conditions were very low.

 

Two years later, in 1900, another daughter, Ellen, was born. For a while life seemed to settle again for the young family. However, tragedy struck once more when Nora suddenly became unwell while preparing to attend a social gathering. Despite medical attention being sought, she died from a ruptured blood vessel associated with pregnancy complications. 

 

Nora was remembered locally as a highly regarded member of the community and was laid to rest with her infant daughter, Elizabeth.

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In time, Robert rebuilt his life, marrying Nora’s sister, Theresa Costello, known as Jessie. Together they had three children, though one also died in infancy.

Elizabeth’s short life, and the losses that followed, reflect the fragility of life for families of the time, even those surrounded by strong community and kin.

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Research by Raye Loughnan
Story by Norma Bakker
Narrated by Janet Slow

 

© 2026 Colac & District Family History Group Inc. 
All rights reserved. 

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Life stories have been researched and compiled by the Colac & District Family History Group Inc. and its independent contributors. This material must not be copied or reproduced without permission. AI tools have been used to assist. 

 

For more information, please contact the Colac & District Family History Group Inc.