Mavis Dodd's husband Geoffrey Dodd was in the British army and a parachutist in the 1st and 6th Airborne Divisions, landing in France behind enemy lines and also fighting with US troops under the command of General Eisenhower.

While Geoffrey was at war, Mavis worked in a laboratory within a factory from the age of 16.

She worked as a laboratory assistant and she would go down to the factory floor and collect samples and information.

Mavis explains that it was like a rolling factory.

"It was a dangerous place, very dark and gloomy," she said.

"The factory made tar and many workers received serious burns which had to be attended to by first aid workers."

Mavis described her factory experience as "river of sticks".

In Greek mythology, this means the river you cross to get to hell.

Mavis and Geoffrey married while he was on leave from the war.

They moved to Australia in the 1960s as she wanted a better life for her two daughters.

Mavis was able to reflect and share these memories during Assumption Villa's own Remembrance Day commemorations.

While Remembrance Day was different in 2020 that didn't mean residents at the villa missed out. They came together to keep memories alive, while also honouring past residents, friends and family who served with the armed forces.

A small, socially-distanced service was held, followed by what was known as a "remembrance morning tea".

Southern Cross Care, the organisation which owns and runs Assumption Villa in Leeton, said it made sure to plan something special for the residents.

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Chief executive officer Helen Emmerson said it was important for the residents to commemorate the occasion.

"Remembrance Day is an important time of reflection for our residents," she said.

"Many of our residents have served or know someone who did, so organising a dedicated event was a way for us ensure their stories live on.

"We wanted everyone to take time to commemorate the sacrifice of their loved ones in a way that speaks to them."