Tributes and Messages
Elsje Whealing




Geoff,  My heart aches for you . . . Elsje will be in our prayers tonight and our memories forever . . . . with all of our love. Your Friends, Bill, Leigh, Matthew, Katie and Emily.  [Bill Rozier is Global Marketing Manager, Ciena Corporation in USA where Geoff has photographed to date around 2,000 of this company’s staff – a job that has taken Elsje and Geoff around the world a number of times where they made many, many good friends at Ciena]
 

Geoff, I just learned that Elsje has unfortunately left this world and passed on.  My sincere condolences go out to you, as she was indeed a very special lady.  I know she inspired you, and that aspect will never ever stop.  Your Ciena Friend, Al  [Al Lounsbury, Ciena Corporation, Ottawa, Canada]
 

Dear Geoff, We were stunned and saddened to hear of the passing of Elsje on Saturday.
We are unable to attend the funeral on Friday but we will be thinking of you and your families at this sad time and are here for you if you need us.  Ross, Maree, Hannah and Angus  [Walker, Will O Wyn Valley neighbour]
 

Geoff, What a loss!  She was a great lady and I can't think of anyone who enjoyed life more!  I am just glad you had seven wonderful years to share!  Tracey Miner  [CEO of Miner Productions in USA where Elsje and Geoff spent many very happy months working for his company in San Francisco]
 

Geoff, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.  Peter Kurczewki, [MD, PandC Signage, a client of Geoff’s]
 

Geoff, My heart goes out to you more than you imagine! I was actually only saying to my partner Tom the other day that it was strange I had not heard from you of late or seen you when I was last up, and was hoping all was well with you both, but I had no idea that it was quite the contrary!  Carla Harris   [Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Plant Invasion and Restoration Ecology Laboratory, Macquarie University, part of a team that is carrying out seed studies in the Wollombi Brook at Wombolly and other properties in the valley]
 

With deep sympathy, sorry to hear, Geoff.  Elsje, what a lovely person. Lawrence
[from Central Coast Deer and Vermin Control, who was helping to rid Wombolly of a pack of wild dogs that were killing the native wildlife]
 

Dear Geoff, We are both thinking of you at this very sad time.  We were so shocked that someone so lovely and so young could be taken so quickly.  You and Elsje were soul mates and we could see the love you had for each other.  The things you both did together in those seven years were amazing and the happiness you found in each other’s company was really something special - that can never be taken away and hopefully will help you get through this Geoff.  Something like this really brings home how fragile life is and how quickly it can be taken from us.  She was a very special person and we will miss her - it does not surprise us to hear how heroic she was till the end.  Our love and best wishes are with you.  Lyn and Lyn Parnell  [from Adelaide, friends through Geoff’s brother Rob and with whom Elsje and Geoff spent some very special New Year’s Eves]
 

I was shocked and feel so sorry to hear this bad news.  I am sure Elsje had a peaceful time because you were with her during her last days.  Wish her R.I.P.  Rebecca
[from Hong Kong, one of a group of Elsje and Geoff’s special friends in Asia, with whom they spend a wonderful week touring in Korea. Geoff also completed a photographic assignment for Ciena, Korea at the same time]

I am very sorry to hear of your loss.  I was not aware that your beautiful lady was ill. My deepest sympathy.  Trevor Butchart  [MD of Fleet-Hydrol, a client of Geoff’s]
 

We interacted during the digital photo shoot in Ciena India Gurgaon office in Sep 2007.  With deep hearts we share our condolences and are sorry to hear about the loss of Elsje. May her soul RIP in His eternal abode and may God grant solace to the family in this time of bereavement on the loss of your dear one. God bless!  Warm regards, Lynette Maqbul, Senior Assistant to VP and MD, Ciena India
[Elsje and Geoff spent many wonderful but busy days photographing staff for Ciena in India]
 

We were all very sorry to hear your very sad news.  Elsje was a lovely lady and we feel very honoured to have met her. Nicole, Steve, Dave and staff at Rybec xxx  [Rybec Cleaning, a client of Geoff’s]
 

Geoff,  What tragic shocking news . . . . it seems to be yesterday we met in Seoul two years ago.  I had thought that you and Elsje had been so quiet and believed you must have been busy for daily life.  I keep the picture of my doggy Nara preciously which Elsje drew. I miss Elsje and you.  Jung Mee Lee   [from Korea, one of a group of Elsje and Geoff’s special friends in Asia, who organized their wonderful week in Korea]
 

Geoff,  I am deeply saddened by Elsje's passing, and words cannot express the shock.  Elsje was such a good lady, and we always enjoyed our Mondays and catch-ups together.  I cannot fathom her not being a part of our group anymore.  We have you in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time. Love,  Airynaa
[Airynaa Tannberg, Wollongong, one of Elsje’s artistic/painting friends]
 

It was with sorrow and regret that we received the news of Elsje’s passing. Sorrow shared with you for your very personal loss and regret that we could only know Elsje for such a brief time.
How special, yet ephemeral our relationships can be.  And, even when so brief, some friendships can be special bonds and make a powerful, lasting impact upon us.  For Robin and I, Elsje will always be one of those special people, and her memory a reminder of those special, yet sometimes fleeting relationships we each hold so dear. Our sympathy goes out to you.  Peter and Robin.  [Peter Herd and Robin Crowley “Tallowood”, Will O Wyn Valley neighbours]
 

I am so very sorry to hear Elsje’s passing.  Your happiness together was an inspiration and she was a lovely, lovely person.  Life is very strange.  I wish you all the strength and my thoughts are with you always.  Fiona xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx  [Fiona Ross, Sydney - a friend of Geoff and Eslje’s]

With all my love from Fiona Ross [sent with a beautiful arrangement of flowers]
 

With kindest love to you, Geoff, in regard to the passing of your loved one Elsje, we send you these words:
A beautiful soul has passed.
Words of sympathy are not enough!
And regrets that we did not get the chance to say goodbye! But there is hope.
You quietly slipped away. Another journey is to come.
So lets remember Elsje, a heart so true, kind, loving.
And a wonderful soul to all she met and knew.
God bless you Elsje for in God’s garden there is no pain, worry or cruelty, only love.  You have a place there so true.
Let the stars light the way, and on a clear night in springtime there she will be, shining so bright just near God’s cherry tree.
You’re a star Elsje giving light so bright. It was a pleasure to have met you. We love you and will think of you often. God bless you Elsje.
One day we will all meet again perhaps under the cherry tree in Gods garden.
Geoff, these words come to you to know a place where Elsje is and know that she is safe now, more than she ever was.
A time to grieve and celebrate the life here on earth for Elsje.
A time to go for there is a season for all of us.
Love Karaline and Phil and the neighbours of WillOWyn xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[Karaline Morrow and Phil Douglas, Woody Arm Road, Will O Wyn Valley neighbours]
 

I was so very sorry to hear about the passing of Elsje.  I can’t imagine what a huge loss this was for you. She was truly one of the most lovely, gracious women I have ever met. There are no words at times like this when the loss is fresh and overwhelming, I’m all too familiar.  Just hold your memories of your time together very close and they will surely bring you comfort in the future.  My sincere, heartfelt condolences and big hugs to you!  Best, Patti  [Patti Tolley, Executive Assistant, Marketing, Ciena Corp, Maryland, USA]
 

Sorry to hear about your loss, from the short time I knew her Elsje seemed like a warm and lovely person. Ben  [Ben Serafin, Ranger, Cumberland Livestock Health and Pest Authority, who assisted with the wild dog problem at Wombolly
 

Elsje and Geoff, I want to remember with you the times shared over the recent few years and the value of shared experiences and emotions.
Elsh, I want to say thank you for the generous way you welcomed me into your and Geoff’s life, I truly appreciated the friendship and kindness.
I remember when you both moved into Grosvenor Street, after your stint at the serviced apartment in Cremorne – in fact I think there were a couple of serviced apartments, then on to Yeo Street and then Cremorne Point.  We shared many a glass of wine and meal and of course the wonderful views from Cremorne Point.
I loved hearing about your adventures overseas and the wonderful photographs of all those places and experiences brought to life the wonder of the world.
And then . . . .
Wombolly – a place where you both found true happiness and contentment.  I have watched on as you brought back to life the wonder of this landscape and of course the warm and welcoming home that you both shared.  What wonderful times I have enjoyed with you both.
The tranquility of Wombolly and its interesting inhabitants – speaking of which I can’t help but laugh when I think about the leeches and that night that one decided to hook on to my foot.  Oh, what a performance!  But another memorable experience shared with you.
Your love and attraction for each other was a powerful force and one to be thankful for and one I hope to emulate sometime in my life. I love you both.
Elsh, wonderful and wondrous friend and confidant.  Beautiful and artistic. Compassionate and passionate.  A life filled with love and caring. Memories will always bring a smile.  Michele  [Michele Bewsher from Neutral Bay, friend of Elsje and Geoff’s]
 

Dear Geoff,  Words are inadequate to convey the feelings we share with you now that Elsje has left us.
As you well know she was a special lady whose heart was filled with love and kindness and concern for others, including our four legged companions.
That she has left is a cruel blow to us all, but particularly you.  You may find consolation in knowing that you made her happy and nurtured in her a calmness and serenity which was so evident whenever I saw you together.
Please accept our offer of sincere condolences.  We wish you strength for the difficult days to come. 
All our love, John and Coby Wegman  [friends of Elsje and Geoffs at Geringhap,  Victoria]
 

Geoff,  All our thoughts are with you.  May all the angels watch over Elsje.
Josef and Kathy Leichtfried,  [“Wolfek”, Woody Arm Road, Will O Wyn Valley neighbour]
 

Geoff,  I mourn with you the loss of your lovely Elsje.  Best wishes always.
Pam Sahm  [Will O Wyn Valley neighbour]
 

Geoff,  I was so shocked to hear about Elsje.  She was such a good friend to me.  So many wonderful memories – the parties, the dancing, just neighbourly hanging out.
My thoughts are with you at this sad time.  Love from Pam (and the Pritchett boys)  [Newlyn Close neighbors]
 

Our Dear Friend Geoff,  Our thoughts are with you at this sad time, Love Marg and Don [friends of Elsje’s and Geoff’s
 

Last night, Geoff, we heard of the untimely passing of Elsje.  Be assured that, at this sorrowful time, you are in our thoughts and we hope that you will accept our very sincere condolences.  Edna and Bruce Cruckshank  [Woody Arm Road, Will O Wyn Valley neighbour]
 

Dear Geoff,  We have all lost a beautiful person and such as wonderful friend.  Thinking of you at this sad time.
Love Marian [Marian Torpy, friend of Elsje and Geoff’s]
 

Dear Geoff,  Our thoughts are with you at this time.
We are saddened and feel a great loss with the passing of Elsje.
We have wonderful memories of times past with you and Elsje at many neighbor get-togethers over the years.
Our deepest sympathies and condolences.
Margaret and Graeme Gow  [neighbours at Newlyn Close]
 

Geoff, Our deepest sympathy on your loss.  Christine and John Woods [Woody Arm Road, Will O Wyn Valley neighbours
Geoff, With many thoughts and deepest sympathy to you and your family at this time. Lola and Paul.  [Kulnura NSW
 

Dear Geoff,  I was so sorry to hear about Elsje and sorry I couldn’t make it to the funeral.
People touch our lives
if only for a moment
and yet we’re not the same
from that moment on
the time in not important
the moment is forever
All my best to you, Sharyn Kleeman  [Will O Wyn Valley neighbour]

Deepest Sympathies from Woolworth's Petrol at Glenrose [where Mark works - sent with a beautiful arrangement of flowers at Elsje's funeral]

Dear Marianne, Chris & Kent,  May all your warm memories ease the sorrow that you feel.  With Sympathy.  Thinking of you at this very sad time with Elsje’s passing.  A great loss for you but your memories live on.  Love Sandra Snow and family.
 

Dear Marianne, Chris & Kent,  With heartfelt thoughts and deepest sympathy.  I am truly saddened to hear of Elsje’s passing, my heart goes out to you all.  Thinking of you with love.  Nina Scroope & Family XO.  [Ex-employee of Asset and PRD]
 

To Marianne & Uncle Chris,  May your memories give you comfort.  With deepest sympathy.  Condolences to you and your family.  Thinking of you both and sending our love.  Jim, Teena, Alex & Zoe Papanikolaou XXX.  [Chris’ niece and family]

Dear Marianne, Kent & Families,  Sorry to hear of your loss of sister Elsje and your sister in law.  It’s hard to understand why these things happen as they do, but many people care and send their warmest thoughts to you.  With deepest Sympathy.  Myrtle Beachamp  [Marianne’s sister in law]
 

With sympathy and caring.  Thinking of you.  Sue Pillekers  [Marianne’s sister in law]

Dear Marianne,  With warm thoughts and prayers at this sad time.  In sympathy.  Our deepest sympathy for the passing on of your dear sister.  Hans & Louisella Brune  [friends of Marianne & Chris in Burley Heads]

Dear Marianne, Chris & Kent,With Sympathy.  With our love and prayers.   Julian & Chris Prentice  [friends of Chris & Marianne now living in Queensland]

Dear Marianne, Chris & Kent,  Expressing deepest sympathy, and hoping you will find comfort in knowing others care and are near in thought today.  With love, John & Marjatta Graham  [Directors of Rowley Motors and very dear friends

Dear Marianne, Chris & Kent,  Sharing your sadness, remembering her always.  Thinking of all the things that made her special and the reasons she’ll be missed so much.  Our deepest sympathy.  Love from Judy, Andrew Miller and family xxxxxx. 
Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you as you say goodbye to Elsje, little sister and aunt.  We have many fond memories of our Elsje.  With love Cathryn & David Clift and family xxx  [Judith and Cathy were Elsje’s school friends with whom she had maintained lifelong friendships]

Marianne, I was so shocked at Elsje’s death – it was all so fast.  There are so many wonderful memories – parties, dancing, just neighbourly hanging out.  Life can be so unfair.  I’m thinking of you at this time.  I know how close you were.  Lots of love. Pam (and all the Pritchett clan).

Dear Marianne and family,  How terrible that Elsje has passed away.  We shall always remember her as a special, lovely cousin and we shall think of her always.  We wish all of you lots of strength to cope with your sorrow.  Much love Marco and Riet Randolfi  [Our cousin in Hellevoetsluss in the Netherlands and her husband]

A last greeting from us.  We will miss you.  Riet and Marco Randolfi in the Netherlands [Elsje's cousins - sent with a beautiful arrangement of flowers at her funeral]

Dear Marianne,  So sorry to hear of the loss of your only sister, please accept our sincerest condolences.  It must have been a terrible shock to come back to this news.  Love and best wishes to you in this sad time and thank you for letting us know.  Joy and Arthur McKenzie  [Directors of Rowley Motors and also very good friends]

Dear Marianne,  I am so very sorry!!!  What an awful time for her, her children and all of you and you her sister.  I am so sad, a beautiful, clever woman.  Lot of love to you. Deborah Towns and Mike  [Marianne’s school friend and husband living in Melbourne]
 

Dear Marianne,  I am so sorry to hear the sad news of Elsje passing away.  It sounds as if it was peaceful for her and I am sure she was comforted by her family being able to spend time with her.  I am sure she felt you all were able to say your goodbyes, and to have her partner by her side, she was able to go.  We are both thinking about you and your family and send love to you all, remember only the good times with Elsje and keep her memory alive with those happy times.  Love to you all Judy and Graham Jenner x  [Marianne’s school friend and husband now living in UK]

Dear Marianne & Chris,  With great sadness we read your message of Elsje’s passing.  We will remember her as a joyful and cheerful person.  I am wishing you the strength to get over this loss for all of you.  Our thoughts are with you.  Andre & Rita van Oudenallen  [Our cousin who lives in Gouda in the Netherlands]

Dear Marianne,  I was very sad to hear of Elsje’s sudden passing.  She went so quickly – it must be so very strange for you all.  Ursula said you gave a beautiful eulogy at the funeral and that it was a lovely service.  My thoughts are with you and the family during this very distressing time and I hope in time you reach the stage where all your memories are of the happy times you spent together.  You know they never really leave you – you just carry them in your heart to eternity.  Bless you Marianne.  With warm wishes and a big hug.  Sally James  [ex employee of Ray White Killara]

Beautiful bouquet of flowers received from Shane, Janene Rowley and families  [Marianne’s step son and daughter in law] with the following message:  To Marianne and family, Our thoughts are with you on the passing of Elsje.

Flowers also received from Enzo Zuliani [Chris’ long time friend in Adelaide], Pam Pritchett and family, Judith Miller and Cathy Clift. 
 

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