June 25, 2020
Former Wondai Shire councillor Margaret Compagnoni has died, aged 90, in Victoria.
Ill health forced Margaret to shift from Wondai to Melbourne in 2013 to be closer to her son and daughter-in-law.
Margaret (nee Bell) was born in Wondai in 1929 but spent the first 10 or so years of her life living in Brisbane.
At age 11, the family returned and she attended Cushnie State School and then St Rita’s Convent School in Murgon (which was established for boarders during World War II).
After helping out on the family farm for a few years, she began training as a nurse at Wondai Hospital and then as a midwife at Toowoomba.
She met her future husband, Wilf, while she was still doing her training.
In 1970, she was appointed Matron of Wondai Hospital, a role she held – although the official title changed a few times over the years – until she retired in 1994.
Margaret was also instrumental in the formation of Wondai’s community radio station, CROW-FM, and was a member of the original foundation committee.
She was also a correspondent for the South Burnett Times for many years.
In 2000, she decided to stand for Council and was elected – the first female councillor at Wondai Shire.
Wilf, a former RAAF pilot, died in 2011 in Wondai Hospital.
Margaret served one term on Wondai Council but towards the end of this the first signs of Parkinsons Disease were becoming evident.
She is survived by two children, Rowan and Kyron, daughter-in-law Lorraine, and two grandchildren, Tanysha and Tahlia.
A funeral service will be held in the Wondai Diggers Club at 1:00pm on July 3.
However, as numbers are restricted to 50 inside, the family has asked for intended attendees to RSVP to 0419-637-129.
She will be buried at Wondai Cemetery.
My deepest sympathy to the family of Margaret Compagnoni . What a beautiful lady and a wonderful matron of our hospital in Wondai.
I first started nursing in Wondai under Matron “Comp” in 1970. They were the days. She was great but always knew what we were up to even when we thought we were pulling the wool over her eyes. A lady and role model. I am still nursing
Remember this lovely lady well. She was a Matron of Wondai Hospital when I had my children. RIP
Robert and I would like to send our condolences to the family, so sorry for your loss. “Comp” was a real lady and a great role model to myself and other nurses who worked for her. It was a privilege to know such a great lady
❤️ Ros Hansen
I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Margaret’s family. I worked alongside Margaret during the years I nursed in Wondai.
She was a very compassionate and skilled nurse.
I worked alongside Margaret from 1983-1994. She was at all times a positive role model for her profession and advocate for her patients and community. RIP.
Remember her well, she was matron of the Wondai Hospital when I had my first baby Sonya in 1970. Such a wonderful woman and a great role model for us all. So sorry for the family’s loss.
– Susan (Schultz)and Barry Ramke, now living in Kempsey, NSW.