James Thomas Whelan (Jim) b.1876

Jim took up the trade of cabinet maker and became a very skilled craftsman. He also had a great love of football, sharing his skills with others as coach of the Dunedin football team. In 1905, his efforts were rewarded when his team won the banner.

At age 37 Jim married Mary Ellen McCawe in St Patrick’s Basilica, on 26 December 1912. Mary aged 26, was the daughter of James McCawe, a labourer, and his wife Maria McCawe (nee Maria Desmond). Mary’s mother’s maiden name was very special to the family as each child was honoured with ‘Desmond’ as their second name.

Jim and Mary lived their whole lives in the Dunedin, where they brought up their family. Jim loved music, and spent many hours sitting at the back of St. Patricks church listening to the choir practice. He imbued his passion for music into his children, and daughter Moira remembers how every Sunday night, he would take his family all around Dunedin to listen to bands.

Jim attained the age of 78 years and died on 25 February 1954. Mary Ellen lived for a further 16 years after the death of her husband and went to her rest on 17 November 1970.

Jim and Mary Whelan  had three daughters:-

Moira Desmond Whelan, born 1 Dec 1915, became Moira Wilson.

Kathleen Desmond Whelan, born c1917, became Kathleen Fyfe.

Monica C Desmond Whelan, born c1924, became Monica Stevenson.

Moira Whelan grew up in South Dunedin, where the family home was 50 Council Street. Her mother enrolled her at dancing classes, and at ten years of age, she was also taking elocution lessons. At twelve, she was a competent pianist. Young Moira was a constant visitor to the nearby home of her Aunty Mag and Uncle Alf, especially when Granny Whelan (Margaret Whelan, nee Roughan) came to stay. Granny’s  influence was such, that Moira's memories were clear and sharp 75 years later.

Moira married Clifford Wilson (Cliffe) in Dunedin c1940. Cliffe rose to a management position with Fletcher Hardware.

Cliffe passed away on 18 April 1994.  

Moira and Cliffe enjoyed the arrival of three daughters, followed by two sons:

Brenda Wilson born circa 1940, became Brenda Moore.

Valerie Wilson (Val) born 1942, became Val Currie.

Elaine Wilson born 1944, became Elaine Keogh

James Wilson born 1954, married Judy.

Tony Wilson

Kathleen Whelan  married Brian Fyfe in Wainuiomata, Wellington. This couple had a son and a daughter.

Stephen Fyfe born 1953, married Penny

Ailsa Fyfe born 1954

Monica Whelan married Anthony Stevenson (Tony) and have two children:

Ralph Stevenson born 1952

Stacey Stevenson born 1959

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