TRIBUTE TO AIMEE SYBIL (nee Keith) CAINES 
14/2/1922 – 20/9/1980


Aimee Sybil Keith was born at Young, New South Wales, February 14, 1922, the 
eldest of four children born to Aimee Martha Elizabeth Murray and James Sibbald 
Keith. When her father died in 1938, her mother moved the family to Sydney, but a 
year later, Aimee was appointed to teach at a small school near Wyalong, in interior 
New South Wales. Aimee returned to Sydney in 1943 and joined the Postal 
Department, becoming a Postal Clerk-Morse Operator working from Camperdown 
Post Office.

In 1943 during the World War II years, she began writing to a penfriend, Miss Irene 
Reis, who lived in London. She sent Irene food parcels while food was in short supply 
in Britain. Over the years, Aimee invited Irene to visit Australia, and in November the 
year before Aimee died, Irene visited staying for 6 weeks. During the visit Aimee and 
Irene travelled as far north as Nambour, Queensland, returning home via the inland 
route. Aimee loved every day of Irene's visit.

In 1947, her husband-to-be, Joe Caines was transferred to Camperdown Post Office, 
and they were married the following year. Their daughter, Ruth Caines, was born in 
March 1949, and their son Keith in March 1952. Her husband moved to the Customs 
Department and worked many night shifts during the period 1949-68, which meant 
that Aimee spent many nights alone with the 2 growing children. During those years, 
Aimee also became "Aunty" to a few Kiwi children who were part of the I.O.O.F. 
Youth Exchange program.

Keith Caines settled in Nyngan, and after some visits to Keith, Aimee would often 
suggest that they sell their home in Sydney and move to Nyngan, to live in a nice 
town in the country.  In 1978, Aimee and Joe sold their Concord home and purchased 
a home in Canonbar Street, Nyngan. Aimee immediately planted trees, roses, and 
flowers and had commenced a fernery. She helped in establishing the new home in 
every way; she wallpapered, helped lay concrete floors and paths. But her needlework 
skills became a hobby. She had made Ruth's wedding dress and those of her 
bridesmaids, but now she was entering her work in the Nyngan Show. She won the 
Mrs Harper Trophy for needlework, and many ribbons and prizes each year. Her 
exhibits included jams and preserved fruit as well as knitting, crochet and needlework.

In Nyngan, she joined the Country Women's Association CWA where she met many 
wonderful ladies who took her into their hearts. She loved the social life of the CWA 
and looked forward to every function. 

Though she had been treated for high blood pressure her heart attack was a surprise to 
the family. Early on the morning of 20 September 1980, she collapsed into the arms 
of her husband, ending 32 wonderful years of marriage. Joe summed up her values 
with "Aimee was a wonderful lady who never had an unkind word for anyone."

LINEAGE: Aimee Sybil Keith d/o James Sibbald Keith & Aimee Martha Elizabeth 
Murray d/o Mary Anne Jane Werner & James Murray s/o Elizabeth Gardiner & 
Matthew Murray s/o James Murray & Wilhelmina Reid of "Warrawang", Rydal.