16 October 2013, St Mary of the Angels Basilica, Geelong, Victoria, Australia

Chris (son):

Mum. We have come here today to celebrate and honour Marcelle’s, my mum’s, life.

Mum to me was a constant source of love and unconditional support.

She supported me even if I was wrong, my enemies were her enemies.

I think it first dawned on me that she was more than a mother when we visited her sister Mary and our cousins in the country. Together they were like two laughing schoolgirls. Our cousins would say how wonderful she was and could we swap. We would say how wonderful Mary was and could we swap. The truth is they were both wonderful mums.

Mum was getting very tired toward the end but still maintained a dry sense of humour and flashes of that old sparkle in her eyes. Mum was at home in a familiar environment thanks to Gen and Sue’s gift of care to her and the whole family. Thanks Gen and Sue.

Amy my daughter wrote a tribute for me, to her Nana which I would like to share with you.

Amy (granddaughter):

Creating something is difficult. Protecting it can be near impossible.

A creator is met with fanfare and accolades.

An altogether softer chorus awaits people who work tirelessly to protect and preserve.

Perhaps because of this, there is a quiet dignity to those who stand guard.

Theirs is a delicate business, which spans a lifetime.

It is difficult to recognize a protector at work, so soft is their guiding hand and light is their touch.

It is only clear eyes that reveal all things treasured and precious are marked
with their fingerprints.

Nanna was a potter, a gardener, a grandmother, sister, mother in law, wife, friend and mother to six. More than anything, she taught me the value of taking care of something. She was one of the best protectors I have ever known.

Mum knew at the end that the time was coming to rest and stand down.

Thanks mum, I love you and god speed