That’s the way Maitland woman Effie Magdaline McGhee has been remembered after her death on November 4, aged 94.

The former waitress touched many lives during her time working in restaurants and cafes for 40 years on the High Street, Maitland. 

Mrs McGhee started working as a waitress in 1945 at the Great Northern Cafe, and worked there for 20 years until it closed in 1965.

She then worked at Jackson and Margaret Soo’s Chinese restaurant Ko-Wah in 1966.

“She was the beautiful sweet lady with the melodic voice on the end of the phone, that sang ‘Ko Wah Cafe, Effie speaking’,” said granddaughter Gena during Mrs McGhee’s eulogy. 

“The sweet bouncy lady who took your order if you decided to dine in, and the cheeky lady that always had a laugh and time for a chat if you were picking up your take away order.”

Mrs McGhee was born on July 21, 1924 to Marjorie and Bertie Elbourn. 

Following her retirement, she spent happy days in her beloved garden and developed a love of travelling with her friends.

She was adored by her four grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Gena described her grandmother as the “most endearing little lady you could ever meet”. 

”Nan was not a gran that sat on the sidelines. She’s flung herself down slip and slides, been thrown on the back of motorbikes and tossed into the pool fully clothed all in the name of fun,” said Gena.

“There was nothing she wouldn’t do just so she could put a smile on our smiles.

“Although tiny in build, she was larger than life itself.”