It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Merle Hughes, a beloved Life Member of the Sutherland Shire Softball Association (SSSA). Merle's contribution to the SSSA spanned an incredible 36 years, from the association's early days in 1974 until her retirement on March 13, 2010. Her dedication, passion, and tireless work helped shape the SSSA into the thriving community it is today.

Merle joined the association when it was still known as the Sutherland Shire Women's Softball Association (SSWSA), having been recruited while working as a teacher's aide at Cronulla High School. Her involvement began with the vision of two high school sports teachers, one from Cronulla High School and one from Sylvania High School, who sought to bring softball to the Shire. Initially playing on the grounds of Cronulla High School, the association soon expanded, leading to a name change in its second year to the Sutherland Shire Softball Association, reflecting the inclusion of male committee members and the growing community.

Throughout her tenure, Merle witnessed and contributed to the SSSA's transformation. The association's journey included becoming affiliated with NSW Softball, a rigorous process that required a well-structured constitution and countless meetings. Merle was instrumental in securing grounds, building a clubhouse, and promoting softball across primary schools through demonstrations of tee ball and modball. Her dedication saw the SSSA grow from humble beginnings to having its own facilities, thanks in part to the support and grants from Sutherland Council.

Merle held various committee positions in the first decade of the SSSA, forming one of the many clubs alongside Sue and Andrew Rindfleish. Her contributions, along with those of numerous other volunteers and committee members, laid the foundation for the SSSA's enduring success. Even after her official retirement, Merle remained an integral part of the SSSA community, known affectionately as "the softball lady" by many.

In a letter to the association upon her retirement, Merle expressed her heartfelt gratitude: "Could you please pass on my appreciation to the SSSA committee for recognising and acknowledging my 36 years of continuous seasons of softball at the Grand Finals on Saturday 13 March 2010. The beautiful vase and inscription given to me will take pride of place in my home."

Merle's legacy is not only in the structures and processes she helped establish but also in the friendships and community spirit she fostered. She reflected on her journey, saying, "I have made lifelong friends in softball and wouldn't trade any of my years at softball. Those years began in 1953 as a schoolgirl who was part of a team that won the NSW Junior A grade competition."

The SSSA family mourns the loss of a remarkable woman whose spirit and dedication have left an indelible mark on our association. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends. Merle Hughes will be remembered for her unwavering commitment, her passion for the sport, and the lasting impact she made on the Sutherland Shire Softball Association.

We welcome contributions to the SSSA history from anyone who can fill in more gaps and provide more information on the rich tapestry of who we are and where we came from. Let us honor Merle's memory by continuing to build on the foundation she helped establish.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend the Celebration of Merle's Life to be held in the South Chapel of Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park, Military Road, Matraville on Wednesday 24th July 2024 at 1:00 pm.