"Auntie Laurie" as she was so fondly known by her family in Australia was born 2 July 1900 in Lyndhurst, Hampshire, England. She was the daughter of Arthur Edward Hemestretch and Alica Charlotte Holes. She was the first of three children, Ethel May and Arthur Edward were her siblings. Unfortunately, her mother died when she was 5 years old. In the 1911 census her father and her sister, Ethel, are living with her father's brother James and her younger brother is living with her father's sister Laura Sims and her husband Stephen.
During her remarkable lifetime, Laurie prepared meals for many distinguished individuals, including Queen Elizabeth II as a child. She started working when she was 14 years old, and worked in mulitple homes of the well-off. While working for Sir Cecil Boydrochford, she had met William while he was a butler and she was the cook. On July 2nd, 1945—her 45th birthday—she married William David Nicholls as a proud war bride, a moment beautifully captured in the accompanying photograph. With William still serving in the military, he soon returned to his unit while Laurie continued to work as a cook while awaiting her journey to New South Wales. In 1946, she traveled aboard a "War Bride Ship," joining scores of young women reunited with their husbands. One can only imagine the joyful anticipation as the vessel, carrying its precious cargo of hopeful new brides, was welcomed by soldiers longing for the embrace of love and home.
Though they never had children of their own, Auntie Laurie and Uncle Bill made their home in Ashfield, NSW, Australia to stay close to family. Over the years, their apartment became a cherished gathering place—a haven of stories, laughter, and unforgettable meals. Uncle Bill, with his spirited war tales, captivated listeners, while Auntie Laurie charmed everyone with memories of cooking for the Queen during her youth. Her culinary talents were legendary—every dish she served truly was “fit for a queen.” She held fast to her English heritage, with grace and propriety woven into everything she did.
Auntie Laurie’s presence was a treasure at every family gathering. She always made time to cook, to chat, and to share in the joy of togetherness—never arriving empty-handed, always bearing some delectable creation that reflected her generous heart and culinary finesse. Our young children formed a special bond with her and Uncle Bill, and we often had them over for dinner. Their visits were filled with laughter, storytelling, and a comforting sense of tradition that made every meal feel like home.
This cherished photograph was taken in our home in Tregear, NSW, on Christmas Day, 1981. Auntie Laurie sits gracefully on the left, with Dawn and Jessica sitting on her lap. Beside her, Grandma Gimson gently holds baby Theresa, while Uncle John Nicholls—Laurie’s brother-in-law—smiles warmly, holding onto active John. Angela is there too, lovingly embracing Phillip. All of our children were together, wrapped in the warmth of family. It was one of those unforgettable days filled with laughter, stories, and love—a moment in time we’ve carried in our hearts ever since.
In 1982, Auntie Laurie fell gravely ill with lung cancer—a cruel irony, as she had never smoked, though her husband had. Despite receiving the best care available, she passed away peacefully on October 29th of that year. I was blessed to visit her before she left us. It was a solemn, reflective time. In the quiet of our final conversations, she shared heartfelt recollections of her parents, siblings, and cherished memories—entrusting me with the legacy of her family’s story so it might live on through our written history.
Auntie Laurie’s life was a tapestry woven with grace, resilience, and devotion—each thread telling a story of love, service, and togetherness. Her legacy lives on not only through the memories she created but through the lives she touched, and the traditions she inspired. Though time may pass, the warmth of her spirit lingers in every shared recipe, every fond recollection, and every family gathering. She taught us how to cherish the everyday and celebrate the extraordinary, and for that, we will always remember her.
2 July 1900 - 29 October 1982
Updated 3 July 2025
