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Edna Jessop 10/10/26 - 15/09/07 Edna Francis Jessop was born on the 10th of October, 1926 at Thargomindah in Queensland, 5th child of Harry and Ruby Zigenbine. As Harry and Ruby were drovers, Edna, along with her 7 siblings, was raised on the stock routes of Northern Australia. They had a hard life, by modem standards, but Edna often spoke with fondness of her childhood days. She liked the freedom of the bush and "wouldn't change it for quids". Edna did a stint in Tennant Creek where she worked as a wards maid at the hospital with her sister, Mavis. Both women often laughed about the great times they had there with their mother and brother Joe. In 1950 Edna left her new life behind to help her father (Harry), along with brother Andy and 3 other men, bring a mob of bullocks from Bedford Downs, WA to DaJarra, Qld. On this trip Harry fell ill and the responsibility of Boss Drover fell on Edna's capable shoulders. Edna eventually took over her father's plant and continued droving with her husband John Jessop, who she met and married in Winton. In 1954 Edna gave birth to her only son, John Jessop (Jack). In 1960 Edna and John parted their ways. Edna headed to Mt Isa to give her boy a good education, living there for the rest of her life. She spent many years working for the Mount Isa City Council as pound keeper and enjoyed time working with Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo picking up in the arena. While working with the council and rodeo, Edna was strongly opposed to animal cruelty. Edna, who is an Australian icon will be sadly missed by many family and friends. She is survived by her brother Joe, son John, grandchildren, John, Toni and Jenna, and great grandchildren, Jack, Theresa, Nikkita, and Hayley.  Edna
For the sake of the meet and the muster The rides over sand ridge and plain For the sake of the old days whose lustre Will never shine round us again In mind of the head rope and halter The moments in the dawn and the dew We have laid these few words at the altar Of mateship in memory of you. Written by Eugene Costin
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