Edith Espie facts for kids

Edith Espie (1903 – 1983) was an important Western Arrernte woman from Alice Springs, Australia. She was a foster mother and a community helper, known for caring for many children.

Edith Espie's Life Story

Edith Espie was born at Jay Creek, which is close to Alice Springs. When she was young, she lived at The Bungalow. This was a special home for Aboriginal children. People who knew her said Edith was a kind child. She often helped the teachers and matrons look after the other children there.

As a teenager, Edith was a jockey. She rode horses in local races, wearing special racing colours. She had many different jobs. She made pies and pasties for a local movie theatre. She also worked as a barmaid at the Stuart Arms Hotel. Edith even did ironing for single men in the town.

Edith had seven children of her own. One of her sons, Bill Espie, was born in a tent outside the hospital. He later received a special award for being brave. Besides raising her own children, Edith also became a foster mother to many other children. She was known for teaching them good values and how to be respectful. A woman named Gloria Lee remembered that Edith took care of her after Gloria's mother passed away.

Edith Espie sadly passed away on 8 March 1983, after battling cancer for several years. She was buried in the Garden Cemetery in Alice Springs.

Her Legacy

To remember her important work and kindness, a street in Alice Springs was named after her. It is called Espie Street.