Chinchilla mum Sue Cobb reveals cherished moments through motherhood ahead of Mother’s Day

Chinchilla mum and former teacher Sue Cobb has shared some of her proudest and toughest moments through being a mother in the lead up to the anticipated day, as we celebrate all mothers in the region.

Not just a cherished teacher and tutor, but beloved mother of three Sue Cobb has opened up about some of her proudest moments from being a mum, as well as some heartbreaking moments along the way ahead of this Mother’s Day.

Mrs Cobb, who moved to Chinchilla in 1976, said she retired from her decades-long stint as a teacher at Chinchilla State School four years ago and has continued to work and change the lives of other children.

“I’m still tutoring because I can’t seem to get away from it,” she said.

“It’s nice working one-on-one with the kids.”

The mother to three grown children Terri, Ben and Chris, who also have their own kids, said while they had a great upbringing the family was struck with tragedy after losing her husband and the father of her kids Graheme to suicide in 2013.

“It was tough,” she said.

“It’s a reminder that you can’t take stuff for granted. You need to make the most of every day with mothering because of that, you can’t let anything fester you have to deal with it.”

Chinchilla woman, Sue Cobb pictured with children Chris, Terri and Ben was one of the many mothers recognised ahead of this Mother's Day.

The Chinchilla woman spoke frankly of mental health and how her experience has shaped the way she and her children treat those around them.

“Losing someone to suicide is a different mourning,” she said.

Mrs Cobb said her new partner Tim is often a source of comfort for her.

“Tim points out to me that it probably wasn’t his choice, it was a disease and it led him to do that.”

Reflecting on her own journey through motherhood, Mrs Cobb said that despite being knocked down by the devastating loss, “Being a mother is a commitment for life”.

“I felt rewarded when the kids were able to follow their own goals, they each had their own plan of what they wanted to do in the future,” she said.

“While it’s sad when they leave home I was proud they were confident enough to leave home and follow their dreams.”

Chinchilla woman, Sue Cobb pictured with her grandchildren, was one of the many mothers recognised ahead of this Mother's Day.

This Sunday, the family will unite to celebrate Mother’s Day with lunch or dinner.

“We’re lucky that we have practiced the open door thing, you want your kids to be able to come to you any time,” she said.

“It’s lovely to have family time with them and the grandkids.”

Mrs Cobb was among those who were nominated by people in the community for their brilliant work as mums.

“Sue Cobb because despite all that life may throw at her, she is always our rock. She is there for not only her own children but all of her ‘children’ and has changed the lives of many,” Terri Keller wrote.

If you or someone you know needs assistance:

Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au

Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or www.beyondblue.org.au

See the list of other Chinchilla mums recognised ahead of Mother’s Day below.

Helen West

“She’s an amazing mother, Helen deserves the world.” - Cory Cook

Valerie Scarlett

“My mum and best friend. My mum makes this world a better place, with her beautiful smile and caring soul. She would have to be one of the most generous people ever to walk this planet...” - Hayley Ison

Alicia Woods

“So dedicated to her kids, always puts them first, nothing is ever too much trouble. Drives them all around the countryside for sports, has a kind heart, community spirit and instils this in her kids as well.” - Jennifer Gailey

Christina Castles

“She is the most amazing, caring woman in the world. She would literally give you the shirt off her back even if she didn’t know you. As a mother she is our best friend, our biggest supporter but also one of our biggest critics (in a helpful way)...” - Jodie Reed

Kerryn Rabone

“An amazing mum to two little ones, firefighter, wife to local police officer and volunteers in the community for Miles Park Run and so much more.” - Danielle Dickson

Linda Holcombe Crocker

“(She) is amazing because she is a fantastic mother to her three children as well as my three children. There has never been a better mother.” - Timothy Holcombe

Caitlyn Jones

“Because she is the best mummy to my two grandsons and she always puts them first before anything else. Her nurturing nature is so inspiring.” - Alison Webber-Jones

Originally published as Chinchilla mum Sue Cobb reveals cherished moments through motherhood ahead of Mother’s Day