Thousands of people turned out on Tuesday 31st March to celebrate the lives of Jenny Dowell OAM and Rhoda Roberts AO at separate funerals in Lismore.
Both women died in March after lengthy battles with cancer.
Jenny Dowell was farewelled at the Lismore Quad, where Dot Orchard officiated, speaking of Jenny’s early life, her election as a Lismore Councillor in 2004 and Mayor in 2008, a position she held for eight years.
Ms Orchard said she most admired her “unwavering optimism, even in the time of tough challenges” and her generosity in wanting to help people with kindness, grace and dignity.
In former Deputy Mayor Simon Clough’s eulogy, he recalled her being referred to as “Jenny Everywhere” because of the number of meetings she went to – up to six meetings a day for five or sometimes six days a week.
She was a familiar face in Nimbin, attending many events and contributing thoughtfully to meetings of community organisations.
As Dot Orchrd remarked, “Jenny’s life was a blessing, her memory a treasure.” She was 75.
Aunty Rhoda Roberts, a Widjabul Wia-bul woman born in 1959, was farewelled at an overflowing St Carthages Cathedral in a celebration that featured 30 First Nations dancers, hymns and moving songs by Tenzin Choegyal, Troy Cassar Daly and Casey Donovan, among others.
Described as a trailblazer, Rhoda had a long and distinguished career in media and the performing arts, encouraging many artistic and cultural collaborators.
Among the tributes paid to her was a message from the Governor-General, Sam Mostyn AO, who wrote: “Her leadership across the arts and media landscape was profound and enduring.
“She was history-making, an immense talent, a dynamic leader and an astonishing innovator.”
The message was read by Rhoda’s daughter Sarah Roberts-Field who spoke about her mother’s many firsts, accolades and achievements.
“‘It wasn’t for money, fame or power. It was obligation, responsibility,” she said. “Her energy was so captivating… Her intelligence, memory and knowledge was incredible.”
At the conclusion of the ceremonies, hearses took Jenny Dowell to be cremated and Rhoda Roberts to be buried in Lismore.
Our lives have been forever enriched by the contributions of both these remarkable women.
Thanks to David Lowe for his extensive reports on both funerals in the Byron Echo.
