By Dale Dengate, Bulletin 2024/9, November
Some memories of Lindy, a third-generation resident of Glebe, living in the family house on Wigram Road. She was born on 17 October 1952 and died in RPAH on 5 October this year after a short illness.
Lindy had been a Senior President of the local branch of the ALP for many years and probably joined as soon as she was old enough. She was also an active Union member, especially with the Teachers Federation. I recall her giving detailed answers to questions about the history of funding for Catholic and private schools. Lindy had worked as a teacher and later in various education departments and associated careers.
In the 1980s, a group of friends used to meet at the Glebe Rowing Club and, in later years, at the Toxteth pub, to discuss and debate current issues – or until Lindy felt we were better informed.
The funeral service, organised by a close cousin, was conducted at St James Church on Thursday 17 October by Monsignor Vincent John. As a number of workmates and friends spoke, the character of Lindy came through in the various anecdotes. Family recalled Lindy as a highly intelligent woman who studied economics at Sydney University. She loved debating with people about politics and all sorts of topics. However, a close relative admitted that she was not known for common sense when it came to practical things and felt housework was a waste of time.
Living in Glebe, not far from the Lew Hoad reserve, she had grown up with a keen enthusiasm for tennis. Her partner from their youth, told of their winning a number of tournaments over many years.
Being influenced by her father, Bill, who loved horse racing, Lindy took a keen interest in horseracing and spent most of Saturday studying the form guide before making her choices. Anyone who rang on Saturday was told not to interrupt her work and concentration. Another relative, who rang for a tip for the Melbourne Cup, was given the details and potential of five horses over the following hour.
Indeed, Lindy was one of the real characters of Glebe and she will be missed by family and friends.
One comment. Please add yours.
Lindy had no vanity or conceit — What pains me is that I didn’t deliver any remarks at the service.
Lindy’s cousin, Sharon made very detailed, heartfelt comments — clearly conveyed the strength of her connection to Lindy.
Sharon’s daughter read a beautiful poem—(forgotten the name of the author).
Lindy’s close pal, and long-standing doubles partner Jan — a great gal — strong and sophisticated — also delivered a sensitive and natural statement of Lindy’s impact upon others.
Then a couple of semi-senior / senior colleagues spoke of Lindy’s impact within the Department.
The remarks of these latter two were slightly playful but slightly deprecatory — making light of Lindy’s determined questioning of Departmental orthodoxy.
I ought have stepped forward after they had had their say and countered with the routine left wing line that the modern low level of public discourse is due to the Education Department’s over-emphasis inculcating ascetic notion of human worth — moral point-scoring — And that Lindy’s questioning of the artificial notion of human worth is the great spiritual gift which Lindy offers to us all.