General News
28 June, 2023
Farewell to Mortlake’s fashion guru
THE community has grieved the loss of beloved stalwart Patricia Coleman.
THE community has grieved the loss of beloved stalwart Patricia Coleman.
The 91-year-old former business owner died earlier this month surrounded by the family and friends she had dedicated her life to.
Perhaps the only thing which rivalled her love of family was her dedication to the community of Mortlake, spending a total of 60 years in business or volunteering with the op shop.
Pat was born in 1932 in Terang, the oldest daughter of Kearn and Vera Coleman.
Her business acumen shone through as a student at St Thomas’ Primary School, when she would play shops with younger sister Marie in her Grey Street house.
“From a young age she always wanted to be a shopkeeper and that was to be her destiny,” nephew Paul Fitzgerald said in his eulogy.
“Pat was a very bright student; however, she would always question the teachers and did not take things lightly.
“From a young age she would form her own opinions.”
She started her first job working at the Terang Co-op, working at the haberdashery before moving to Mortlake in 1954.
“In her early years in Mortlake she was involved in a theatre group and even produced a play,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
“Pat was a thespian at heart. She loved plays.”
After moving to Mortlake, Pat opened a baby and children’s ware shop before moving to a larger premise in 1960 to incorporate ladies clothing.
“That shop was known as Pat’s of Mortlake and it was running until November 2018 when her health deteriorated,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
“That’s when the shop was closed, much to the disappointment of the locals and also those in surrounding areas.
“Sometimes you can think things can go on forever, however with age and time things change.
“Pat spent a total of 60 years or more in business - including her time at the Co-op, which must be a record - and Pat’s of Mortlake was a bit of an institution in Mortlake.”
Pat became known as a fashion guru throughout the region, with a sharp perception for the right fit and a blunt willingness to admit when a change in wardrobe was much needed.
She would hold a wide range of fashion events, notably when the races were held, and used her love of fashion to host events which raised funds for services such as South West Health.
“Other community activities Pat got involved in were Debutante Balls,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
“She helped young girls prepare for their Deb – using her fashion and dress skills to theutmost.
“In relation to Pat’s of Mortlake, her ladies’ outfits were of high quality especially her knitwear.
“I remember Pat calling in on us in Geelong on the way to stay at the Vic in Melbourne, for fashion buying opportunities in Flinders lane and also Richmond. This happened many times.”
Outside of business, Pat was an avid gardener. Her Shaw Street home grew a vibrant array of flowers, roses and strawberries; lingering sights and fragrances which Mr Fitzgerald fondly remembers.
“She used to make quince jam from the quinces off her large tree in the backyard,” he said.
“She also was a good cook if she put her mind to it - from the mouth-watering ham and roasted chicken and Christmas pudding.
“She must have picked up these skills from her mother with the other bits self-taught.
“Mum used to especially like the cream puffs that she would make, and I remember the brandy snaps.”
Mr Fitzgerald said Pat had a fondness for her family, taking an active interest their education, career progress and the growth of their own families.
“Pat was forthright in her views and when serving customers, she would tell them whether the outfit suited or not, or even whether they could afford it,” he said.
“Pat would tell me straight out that I needed to lose weight.
“She would still be telling me that from up in heaven, and I learnt not to talk politics with Pat.”
Pat was known for her enduring work ethic and energy.
“She would not take many holidays, as her shop was her life,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
“I remember that she had a holiday in Fiji, and her bringing presents to our house in Geelong.
“You could say the shop and Mortlake was her life and it gave her purpose.
“Purpose is what one wants in life.”
Pat became a resident of Aberlea during her later years, with friends and family continuing to visit her through the remainder of her life.
Her family thanked the staff at Aberlea and Warrnambool Base Hospital for their support and care of Pat.
“A true and genuine character, a personality of Mortlake and surrounds, and a ladies fashion guru,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
“May you rest in peace, dear Pat.”
