Joan Muir - In Memoriam
We shall miss you Joanie Muir.
Strong woman of a different time.
Your plain words, kind deeds endure
In younger hearts that mime and rhyme
with your strong life of pure endeavour,
Embrace your doughty spark, for ever.
Earth receive one of our best
Joanie..., now..., it's time to rest.
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Although we lived on the other side of the world and our meetings were few, they were also very special, such was the impact that Auntie Joan made on us, the world has lost a very special person, however, we have very cherished memories of her.
We have had many wonderful times with Joan (Mrs Manure (a running joke between Owen and Joan)). She was not only an amazing, supportive and inspiring friend but also a great mate. We will miss her immensley and will treasure the memories of the times we had together and all the fun and laughter we shared. Love Dorothy and Owen Bennett
We have had many wonderful times with Joan (Mrs Manure (a running joke between Owen and Joan)). She was not only a great, supportive and inspiring friend, but also a great mate. We will miss her immensley and will treasure the memories of our times together and the fun and laughter we shared over the years. Love Dorothy and Owen Bennett
The minute we set eyes on her we fell "in love" with this remarkable lady. She had such a warm personality and welcomed into her home in Australia in 2006 - it felt as if we knew her all our lives. .
Mom Joan you were separated from us by thousands of miles but you were always close to our hearts.
Our family will be participating in the "Walk for Cancer Research" fundraising event on 3 December 2011 and in memory of those who "cancer lost its battle aganist". Our sister Yolanda and Mom Joan will be the two persons that we loved and lost that we will be walking in memory of.
Condolences from my family to Roberta, Michelle, John & Monique and your children
MYDSRIP Mom Joan
We found each other late in life... but like many things that take time, you appreciate it it more. You always remembered birthdays and Xmas and I knew I was always welcome in your home. I'm so glad you got to experience many wonderful places and people through travels and through your social personality. I loved your adventurous spirit, positive outlook and zest for life. Thank you for making us part of your family ... with love and terrific memories Mark, Lucy, Karla and Zaniah x
Mrs Muir was a beautiful person, wonderful mother and friend and I will always remember her with that contagious smile. At "Roberta's place" with Mrs Muir included lots of long conversions and lots of laughter.
She taught me to be resourceful and optimistic and to treat everyone with kindness. Mrs Muir made anything out of nothing and gave her everything to her family.
So many treasured school years memories
Love from Cathie Grima (nee Teuma).
My life has been enriched to have known Joan Muir. Among many of Joan's admirable qualities her strength and the quality of her character shone through. I will sorely miss her. Joan was "family" away from home, and I am forever thankful that I was included in her life. My favourite memory is sharing lunch only a few weeks ago. Joan had the amazing capacity to live life fully and to enjoy it until the last. All of my love to Roberta and the family. The world has lost a truly lovely person. Teri Moore
Hi Rob and family. I was sad to hear about your Mum - she seemed such a much loved and big part of your life, so she must have done a great job.
My fond recollection of her is from the Harold Park hotel some years ago after eating Jack's birthday 'cake'....priceless!
Did u have to remember that? She got the munchies something bad ... And it was funny!!
I lost my mum in 2003, and Joan Muir became my new one. She was always good company, with high spirits that never flagged, even when she was ill. Her courage and forthrightness amazed. She enjoyed a lunch and a stroll through the woods just just five days before she died. She seemed to live her life, every waking minute of every day, until the very end, a lesson for all who witnessed that. I have lost a good friend and fine dinner companion. And Australia has lost the best lamingtons ever made.
Thank you, Joan you have been very sweet and generous, very patient with my “Span-glish” and always offering a lovely smile to me. You will always remain in a corner of my heart.
Roberta, my parents Xavier and Pilar also gives our deepest symapthy and condolences for you and all your family. From Barcelona, lots of love and warm hugs for all family. Susana
Not only a relative, a friend a companion and a great lady, burnt many a midnight oil so many happy memories . Love you Joan
Not only a relative, a friend a companion and a great lady, burnt many a midnight oil so many happy memories . Love you Joan
A most open, adventuresome and delightful person. There will always be a smile for Joan in my heart.
Joani Mum, for the last 32 years you wove the parts of you that you wanted me to carry in my life and so I have. I now weave them into the lives of my own children and others I know. Th e soft touch is the most recent memory I have of you as you held my hand and made certain remarks about my sushi lunch which I cannot publish. I love you darling, see you someday .
The world has just lost a very special woman. I have very fond memories of the great times when I visited and even stayed overnight at her home. Joan was always welcoming and accommodating. Back then though, she was Mrs Muir and was just like my Mum to me. You will be missed. Thank you Mrs Muir.
My thoughts and love are with Roberta, Michelle, Monique, John and your families.
Well miss you Nuggie!
Michael and Vanilla
I remember a trip to the wine areas of South Australia when we stayed at the beautiful, renovated old Post Office in the Clare Valley and when we were on the road, about 1 hour from the place we stayed, the mobile phone rang and it was the lady from the Post Office. Lady: Good morning, sorry to ring you this early, but did your mother in law by any chance leave something behind? Me (turning head) are you missing anything Nuggie? Joan: No, don't think so. Me: to lady: no, can't say we know what she might have left behind. Lady: well... there are a set of teeth in a glass next to the bed where your mother in law slept last night....
We all burst out laughing; apparently they were Nuggie's 'night teeth' so she did not miss them during the day. We continued our journey without the set of night teeth and all was well.
Annabel Kinkade (friend): Your Mother was a most amazing woman and a true friend but most of all a loving Mother. I am making her (famous) Cherry Chocolate Almond Cake for some friends on Sunday.........she always got a kick out of me telling her I was making it.
Flora Varnavsky (friend): She was certainly an inspiration to me in my life, a mentor, a mate, a girlfriend and an outstanding example. Her beloved children were always central to her focus in every endeavour and consideration that she entertained. I felt privileged to know her and enjoy the benefit of her affection, advice, honesty and experience. She was a soldier who faced many battles and always emerged victorious and with honour.
Annette & Malcolm Oldfield (nephew): She was a real lady in every sense of the word, and the world is a better place for having had her in it.
Mary Robertson (friend): She always seemed to be indestructible. Her great spirit and joy for life was example to all of us.
Jeroen LaPre (Roberta's friend who met her a few months ago): I was struck by how alert, aware, and happy, your mother was when we had dinner in Sydney, during my visit. What was abundantly clear was how much she loved you and your family.
Iain Sinclair (nephew in Scotland): Words can't begin to describe my sadness at Auntie Joan's passing. I was so upset when I heard the news. I wish we could all be there at her funeral, but we'll be with you in spirit. I only had the pleasure of meeting your lovely Mum on a few occasions, but those occasions were very happy..... full of the laughter and brightness Auntie Joan brought. Sending you and all my Australian family a big hug.
CJ Jackson (Roberta's friend who met her for a couple of days in UK in 2009): She touched my heart in a way that nobody else did since I lost my own mum - and I feel sad that I won't get to say goodbye in person.
Heather Stewart (Roberta's friend who spent time with her in 1993): I still remember fondly the time I spent with you and your Mum in Paris. On the metro with the sandwiches. When the lovely old man pulled a plastic bag out of his pocket to replace the split bag we were trying carry our sandwiches in. Having a picnic in the park at the Eiffel tower, going to Honfleur and wasn't it the Dom Benedictine distillery? Thank-you for sharing her with me for that time.
Nina Kourea (Roberta's friend): Your mum was a wonderful woman. I have fond memories of her - she was always so positive and gracious.
Cathie Grima (Roberta's school friend): She was a beautiful person, wonderful mother and friend and I will always remember her with that contagious smile. She taught me to be resourceful and optimistic and to treat everyone with kindness. I remember she made anything out of nothing and gave her everything to her family.
Colleen Alam (Roberta's school friend): She extended the hand of friendship to all people and was loved by all that knew her. The world is a sadder place for her passing but richer for the legacy she has left behind.
Louise Grose (Roberta's friend): She was such a lovely woman who had such a presence - she touched our hearts in many ways.
Mitch Green (Roberta's friend): I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed my brief but very pleasant times with your mother. Thank you for introducing me to her and I will miss her very much.
Sally Webb (Roberta's friend): Your Mum was an absolute delight, and I so enjoyed spending time with her everytime we met. She was brave and strong too in the face of her illness.
Craig Murphy (Robrta's friend): The world has just lost a very special woman. I have very fond memories of the time I spent at your Mum's place - she was a wonderful loving person and she will be missed.
There was a mighty perturbation
In the twenties generation,
When a baby girl was breeching,
“It’s a girl!”, her midwife screeching.
The nation fell Depression-down,
Did not know her full renown,
Leaders who had trouble sown,
Failed to look to Baby Joan.
Foolish men of actions vain,
Missed the baby hurricane.
She was small but she could fight,
Daughter of her mother’s might.
She could sew and she could seam,
Our girl Joan, a one-woman team.
Hitler tried Joan to defeat,
Her teenage years soon saw him beat.
But still the country failed to own,
The might and force of “Our Dame Joan”.
She hated false and empty fuss,
She loved a rascal, once, named Gus.
She had her children one by one,
She had her struggles by the ton.
Heart and mind all full of dreams,
Sewn into garments and their seams.
She gave her children food and shelter.
She grew stronger with all life dealt her.
Australia have you awoken?
The Voice of Hurricane Joan has spoken!
“What’s wrong with you anaemic blokes?
Throw away your fine dress cloaks!
It’s time to work, no time to chatter,
Time to do the things that matter.
I’ve made your clothes,
I’ve cleaned your houses.
Do some work you lazy louses.
Must I do the whole damn lot?
Can’t you do just one small jot?”
She’s worked and laboured hard through life,
With poise and grit, she’s faced her strife.
Were she to start life now again,
There’s little she could not attain.
She’s got the stuff to rule the nation.
She’s got the talent for high station.
Her mind still sharp, her spirit keen,
Her character spoilt by nothing mean.
Our Joan – full of sense and sane,
Still is a mighty hurricane.
Being written on the occasion of Joan Muir’s 75th birthday – 3 December, 2003 – by Kenneth P. Nunn.
She may not have been the tallest person in the world but she had the presence of a giant. She was as at home in the best restaurants the world had to offer, as she was drinking billy-tea out of an enamel mug at a remote camp site. She was my mother-in-law, but she was my friend. I will miss her!
Thank you for the memories! What fun we used to have. Much love to Roberta, Michelle, John & Monique.......x
Roberta Muir
13 years ago3 December is Mum's birthday - so that is especially appropriate x