Nancy Blowers mourned by Fraser Coast, Gympie communities

A beloved teacher, whose pioneering farming family is well respected across country communities from Gympie to the Fraser Coast, is being remembered for “touching so many children’s hearts”.

Nancy Blowers was remembered as a cherished teacher and member of the community, after she sadly passed away on Sunday.

She was a true country lady and beloved teacher who continued to make herself available to local schools long after she’d technically retired.

Nancy Blowers, matriarch of one of Munna Creek’s founding farming families, is being remembered in communities across the Fraser Coast and Gympie after she passed away on September 12 aged 88.

Mrs Blowers was a regular relief teacher at Brooweena State School between 1999 and 2015, as well as other schools in the area including Tiaro State School and Theebine State School.

Former Business Manager at Brooweena State School Irene Smith on Thursday remembered Mrs Blowers as “an awesome woman” and an “outstanding teacher”, who was still willing to help out in semi-retirement.

Nancy Blowers, 11/08/1933 – 12/09/2021. Photo: Gympie Funerals.

“The little people loved her – one told me she loved Mrs Blowers because she was like her Nana,” she said.

Mrs Blowers and her late husband Andrew were well known within the community as he had served the Tiaro Shire Council for more than 15 years.

They took over the family dairy farm, Munna Vale, shortly after they were married in 1956, and had their first son, Bernard (Bernie) in 1961 and their only daughter, Janice, in 1963.

In 1979 Mr and Mrs Blowers in partnership with Bernie, bought another Mary River property, Binbirrim.

This property later became the home of Bernie and his family.

The Blowers parents and Bernie expanded their farming enterprise by growing sugar cane on both properties, while Andy and Nancy diversified their farming activities by starting an angora goat stud.

Their angora goats and mohair won prizes at local shows and the Champion Fleece on more than one occasion at the Royal Brisbane Exhibition.

Tragically, Bernie died suddenly in 2010 aged just 49.

Andy Blowers, who was born in Maryborough, passed away in 2012.

Andrew Graham Blowers. 1934-2012

As news of Mrs Blowers’ passing spread, tributes flowed on social media.

Andrea Ebert said Mrs Blowers was “such an amazing teacher who touched so many children‘s hearts”.

Maryborough woman Janita Shepherd remembered Mrs Blowers as a “beautiful lady” and a “brilliant teacher”.

“If only all teachers today were as good a teacher as she was,” she said.

A funeral service for Mrs Blowers will be held at St Patrick’s Catholic Church at Gympie on Thursday September 23.

Originally published as Nancy Blowers mourned by Fraser Coast, Gympie communities