Our dear friend and workmate, Jessie Marcus, is no longer with us. However, her name will come up whenever AGC staff gather.
Jessie was a legend in her lifetime, and that will certainly continue. She epitomised the AGC work culture, and ran the AGC switchboard - which was one of Sydney’s busiest - with the able assistance of her "girls" with efficiency and friendliness. It was favourably commented upon by our dealers, customers, etc.
Jessie’s role required a great deal of tact and patience at times. Of course, when officers did not answer their telephone promptly or did the wrong thing, then watch out, you copped more than your share of the difficult calls.
Many of our staff from the far flung corners of the AGC Empire were helped by Jessie with advice, and who was not in a good humour, etc. How many calls did Jessie sort out when a caller asked, "Could I speak to my Daddy’? Jessie always worked out who "Daddy" was, saving a lot of embarrassment.
There are many stories about Jessie. We all know about them, and will still chuckle about them. One classic was her ability on a Friday evening (and other days) to hear a bar open 1-12 floors away.
After she retired, Jess returned to her hometown of Griffith and enjoyed a decade of health and happiness with her family. She passed away on 20th August 2011.
Jessie, it is time to say goodbye. You were respected by us all. Thank you for what you did for us all and AGC. We will miss you Jessie Marcus.
Athol Jenner
