‘She gave everything‘: Coffs Harbour community stalwart Margaret Crawley remembered by family

The family of a Coffs Harbour matriarch who hosted countless charity barbecues and wrote letters to troops overseas have spoken about her selfless attitude following her tragic death.

Margaret Crawley (third from left) was a much-loved member of the Coffs Harbour community.

A beloved Coffs Harbour grandmother and “Bunnings barbecue Queen” wrote a touching letter several years before her passing which demonstrates her selfless attitude.

Born in Melbourne on March 7, 1943 as one of seven children, Margaret Crawley was always thinking about helping others.

She continued that mindset when she relocated to Coffs Harbour in 1988.

Mrs Crawley sadly died on February 24 aged 79, with her loved ones supporting her.

Her daughter Michelle Aubert, 54, said all her mum ever wanted to do was help those in need.

““She was so community driven – and worked tirelessly for several charities including Quota, Legacy, The Garden Club and The Show Society,” she said.

Mrs Crawley helped raise more than $42,000 sizzling sausages at Bunnings for the Show Society.

Margaret Crawley surrounded by loving family.

“She was the Bunnings barbecue queen,” Michelle said.

On top of her charity work, Margaret gave a literal piece of herself to her daughter Sandy Crawley, now 55, who desperately needed a kidney in 2009.

A letter written at the time speaks of the gift Mrs Crawley was willing to give her daughter.

“If anything is to happen to me through my journey of being a donor, if it’s my time to go, then that’s it,” Mrs Crawley wrote.

She wanted to ensure no blame was ever given had she not survived the operation.

In all capitals, she emphasised: “It is my choice”.

She said she would do it for anyone in her family and felt strongly about the organ donation.

“I love you all and hope you support Sandy through her journey,” she wrote.

Margaret with her two loving daughters Michelle and Sandra – who she would often dress identically as children.

Mrs Crawley told her family she was doing it for Sandy to have more time with her son.

“He’s the most important and has brought so much joy,” she wrote.

Michelle said Mrs Crawley “worshipped” her grandson Harry and attended his show “Priscilla” three times to support him.

“She told everyone in the hospital about Harry’s show,” she said.

Mrs Crawley was vice president at the Coffs Harbour Show Society and kept busy with charity work.

Michelle said her mother had a “wicked” sense of humour and was her go-to person for advice.

“She was fun and very funny to be around,” she said.

Margaret Crawley was more than capable in the kitchen. Picture: Rob Wright

Her children said Mrs Crawley made those around her confident in themselves and encouraged her family to think for themselves.

She would tell Michelle and Sandy: “Whatever you decide is the right decision, have faith in your decisions.”

Her family said Mrs Crawley was proud of her many achievements and carried a picture of a massive black marlin weighing over 320kg, which she caught.

Mrs Crawley proudly pulled out the photo like a party trick.

She also embraced her Melbourne roots and would whistle along while keenly backing her AFL team, Collingwood.

Michelle said her mum was a great cook and adopted an open house policy, welcoming family and friends with open arms.

Mrs Crawley was a jack of all trades, handy at craft and dressmaking and an avid gardener.

She would send handmade cards to Aussie troops overseas.