Judy Rawson
1938 – 2012
Much loved resident Judy Rawson passed away in March after a long, yet inspiring, battle with cancer; but not without leaving a legacy in her wake.
Her daughter Robyn Rawson said Judy died in hospital surrounded by her family but it was her dying wish to raise money for the services that made her fight against cancer so much more comfortable.
“She battled a hard, courageous and inspiring fight against cancer for three years,” Robyn said.
“A donation of $680 was raised at Judy’s funeral – half going to Port Oncology and half to Palliative Care.
“Further donations may be given to Port Oncology on 6280 1807 or Port Palliative Care on 5688 2721.
Robyn said Judy and her husband Les (deceased 1982) moved to Port in January 1965, first living on Wauchope Road opposite the abattoirs.
“In 1970 they made their home in Widderson Street with their four children,” she said.
“In 2009, Judy was told she had ovarian cancer and was given three weeks to live.
“She was such a wonderful person and known and loved by so many – especially during her 47 years in Port.”
Judy is no stranger to the Independent newspaper.
She appeared on the front page mid-2010, when her granddaughter Sharnee Rawson was a contestant on the Channel 10 TV series Masterchef.
So too, Judy’s wonderful character and cooking came to the fore.
She was a treasure to meet and work with.
Inspiring eulogy quotes by sisters Esther and Kathy:
“Judy was born on September 8, 1938 in Wellington NSW.
“Even though Judy was a sickly child she was not one to complain, she was always happy and had a wonderful smile.
“Judy loved birds, animals and flowers.
“She was always a fighter.
“As the years went by and we went our separate ways, we remained close, writing to each other and sharing our lives.
“We never argued and in later life, when we three all ended up in Port, we had a lot of fun together.
“Thank you Judy for being such a wonderful sister.
“We love and miss you.”
Quotes from her children:
“Mum was as simple woman, with a good heart, who led an ordinary life.
“She was a woman who loved the outdoors, her garden, cooking and her Monday afternoon card game with the girls.
“Mum had a love of the ridiculous and could find humour in any situation.
“Our mother was a good person and the world was a better place with her in it.”
Quotes from her grandchildren:
“Nan had a warm open heart, caring disposition and a calming effect on those around her.
“Nan enjoyed the simple things in life like listening to a dickybird and describing the morning sunshine.
“Nan’s love of cooking and feeding her family was such a pleasure to her.
“Not a mean thing to say or a fault to be found in anyone, our nan was a treasure and she will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered in our hearts forever.”
