Pax Remembers 'Mother Fawn'

On Tuesday December 3rd 2002 at 7:45 am I received a telephone call from Jean Laird (my dear Sister in-law) with the sad news of the passing of her much loved Mother, Phyllis Elinor Ganapathy, who had peacefully departed from our world at 7:15 am of that same morning.

Mother Fawn as she was affectionately known had been very ill with cancer for the past year and sadly her courageous fight, along with her suffering, especially the last few weeks had ended and she is now at peace with her God.

Her family kept a bedside vigil over her and she was never alone, each taking it in turn to be at her bedside - a remarkable and touching sight - I shall always treasure the memory of having had the privilege of sitting with Fawn some days before her passing, she held my hand tightly and with such strength, quite unexpected for someone in such ill health, her loving sister Ann, cradled Fawn in her arms in an effort to comfort and ease her pain, so for me this will always be such a special memory of this remarkable woman and her even more remarkable close family.

I remember only too well the first time I met Mother Fawn was on Jean and Jim's Wedding Day, four years ago (12/12/1998) when I was to pick up the Bridal Flowers from the Florist and deliver them to Balvenie Street, Keperra. I think Lex may have greeted me at the door, then this lady came up to me and gave me just the biggest hug - I was somewhat a-taken a-back as I had not yet met Jean's mother and this was a very un-Australian way of greeting strangers, but I soon realised that I was indeed very privileged to have been greeted this way - and this our first greeting will always be yet another memory of Mother Fawn that will be held dear to my heart.

Fawn's unique ability to have touched so many people with a genuine interest in others, her wisdom, courage, kindness, tolerance and love of life (always with that lovely smile of recognition) is indeed a wonderful example of a life lived as it is meant to be. It is also wonderfully clear to me that all her family are as proud of Fawn and all of her hard earned achievements in life, never allowing for one minute her handicaps of impaired sight and hearing deter her from her objectives, as she was proud of each and everyone of her remarkable family.

Sunday 24th November, a very special celebration of Fawn's 79th birthday went ahead, though gravely ill, she wanted to have her birthday party and birthday party she had. Only able to get out of her bed for the blowing out of candles on her cake and for photos that just every one wanted to have with her which she so obligingly did, once again always with that smile. I don't think I have ever heard 'Happy Birthday' and 'For She's a Jolly Good Fellow' sung with so much feeling.

Fawn's eldest daughter, Yvonne, her husband Patrick and their teenage daughters, Jessica and Patricia, who have been at the epicentre of Fawn's illness this past year, should have a special mention for their generosity in opening up their home and also their hearts for all, whether it was family, friends or acquaintances, all of whom just wanted to be with their Mother, Sister, Aunt, Nana or friend - all were always made welcome.

Then, after Fawn's passing, she was so beautifully presented in all her favourite lilacs, lavenders and purples, looking beautiful, serene and peaceful as she 'Lay In State' at the Yzelman's residence from Thursday, the Fifth of December to Friday, the Sixth of December 2002. As she 'Lay in State' with her family close by, and people coming and going all the while - to say their goodbyes, a vigil and regular prayer service was being held there by her family and in Singapore simultaneously, I believe.

Although, all were very sad there was a sense of relief, for Fawn was not suffering anymore, and the sombre mood of mourning will soon be replaced by a special joy of having been so lucky as to have had amongst us all, such a beautiful soul and she will always be there with us.

Mother Fawn's journey to the Funeral Service was done with such dignity, as her family again gathered by her side for her final journey to St Williams Church, her menfolk - sons Leslie, Gerard, son-in-law Patrick, grandson's Mel, Kurt and Brian carried her coffin into St William's Church for the Funeral Service conducted by their Minister and by Senior Ministers from St Stephens Cathedral, Brisbane (Jean's previous workplace) their attendance unbeknown to the family, such a compliment to the entire family to have had them in attendance.

Mel's Eulogy at his Nana's funeral was eloquent, and though it was a sad task to have to perform, his Nana would be smiling down upon him at his kind words.

After the very moving Funeral Service in St William's Church, Fawn's family gathered by her side again, as her journey continued to Albany Creek Crematorium where a short service was held. Her ashes were collected on Monday, the Ninth of December, 2002 and the family in a private service quietly scattered Fawn's ashes where a memorial plaque will be placed.

May I at this point acknowledge by name all of Fawn's family and friends who so generously gave of their time and support during her illness, - her sisters Ann and Molly, her sister in-law Thora, her children Yvonne, Jean, Pam, Leslie and Gerard, son in-laws Patrick, Jock and James, daughters in-laws Suzanne and Susan, grand children Mel, Brian, Jessica, Patricia, Kurt, Kyle, nieces Sybil and her son Adam, Michelle and her husband Grant and their two children, nephews Malcolm and his wife Trish and their two children, close family friends such as Irene, Sultana and family, Christine and Martin, Bryce and Dianne, Tom and Audrey. Absent from this occasion but certainly there in spirit were Pam and Jock's son Marc in America, and Jean's daughter Andrea, her husband Anthony and their three little boys, Aidan, Zac and Ian (Fawn's great grand children) in Malaysia.

Given the distances and separation from their own families some of these people have generously given their time and devotion to be with their Sister, Aunt, Mother, Mother-in-law and Grandmother, would have been a great comfort to Mother Fawn and must of made her feel very special and very much loved, as indeed she was.

Last but not least were the nurses and Doctor who attended Mother Fawn and were also very touched by her courage and by your support for her.

Our own Mother (named Phyllis also) had a lot in common with Phyllis Elinor Ganapathy and has been deeply touched by her passing. I was very moved when my sister (also named Phyllis - true) mentioned to me at the funeral that they had made a garden in her honour, on their not long purchased property in Bell Bird Park, dedicating this garden to the Memory of Phyllis Elinor Ganapathy.

Pax remembers 'Mother Fawn'

"I remember only too well the first time I met Mother Fawn...this lady came up to me and gave me just the biggest hug...I soon realised I was indeed very privileged to have been greeted this way."

"I remember only too well the first time I met Mother Fawn...this lady came up to me and gave me just the biggest hug...I soon realised I was indeed very privileged to have been greeted this way."
On Tuesday December 3rd 2002 at 7:45 am I received a telephone call from Jean Laird (my dear Sister in-law) with the sad news of the passing of her much loved Mother, Phyllis Elinor Ganapathy, who had peacefully departed from our world at 7:15 am of that same morning. Mother Fawn as she was affectionately known had been very ill with cancer for the past year and sadly her courageous fight, along with her suffering, especially the last few weeks had ended and she is now at peace with her God. Her family kept a bedside vigil over her and she was never alone, each taking it in turn to be at her bedside - a remarkable and touching sight - I shall always treasure the memory of having had the privilege of sitting with Fawn some days before her passing, she held my hand tightly and with such strength, quite unexpected for someone in such ill health, her loving sister Ann, cradled Fawn in her arms in an effort to comfort and ease her pain, so for me this will always be such a special memory of this remarkable woman and her even more remarkable close family. I remember only too well the first time I met Mother Fawn was on Jean and Jim's Wedding Day, four years ago (12/12/1998) when I was to pick up the Bridal Flowers from the Florist and deliver them to Balvenie Street, Keperra. I think Lex may have greeted me at the door, then this lady came up to me and gave me just the biggest hug - I was somewhat a-taken a-back as I had not yet met Jean's mother and this was a very un-Australian way of greeting strangers, but I soon realised that I was indeed very privileged to have been greeted this way - and this our first greeting will always be yet another memory of Mother Fawn that will be held dear to my heart. Fawn's unique ability to have touched so many people with a genuine interest in others, her wisdom, courage, kindness, tolerance and love of life (always with that lovely smile of recognition) is indeed a wonderful example of a life lived as it is meant to be. It is also wonderfully clear to me that all her family are as proud of Fawn and all of her hard earned achievements in life, never allowing for one minute her handicaps of impaired sight and hearing deter her from her objectives, as she was proud of each and everyone of her remarkable family. Sunday 24th November, a very special celebration of Fawn's 79th birthday went ahead, though gravely ill, she wanted to have her birthday party and birthday party she had. Only able to get out of her bed for the blowing out of candles on her cake and for photos that just every one wanted to have with her which she so obligingly did, once again always with that smile. I don't think I have ever heard 'Happy Birthday' and 'For She's a Jolly Good Fellow' sung with so much feeling. Fawn's eldest daughter, Yvonne, her husband Patrick and their teenage daughters, Jessica and Patricia, who have been at the epicentre of Fawn's illness this past year, should have a special mention for their generosity in opening up their home and also their hearts for all, whether it was family, friends or acquaintances, all of whom just wanted to be with their Mother, Sister, Aunt, Nana or friend - all were always made welcome. Then, after Fawn's passing, she was so beautifully presented in all her favourite lilacs, lavenders and purples, looking beautiful, serene and peaceful as she 'Lay In State' at the Yzelman's residence from Thursday, the Fifth of December to Friday, the Sixth of December 2002. As she 'Lay in State' with her family close by, and people coming and going all the while - to say their goodbyes, a vigil and regular prayer service was being held there by her family and in Singapore simultaneously, I believe. Although, all were very sad there was a sense of relief, for Fawn was not suffering anymore, and the sombre mood of mourning will soon be replaced by a special joy of having been so lucky as to have had amongst us all, such a beautiful soul and she will always be there with us. Mother Fawn's journey to the Funeral Service was done with such dignity, as her family again gathered by her side for her final journey to St Williams Church, her menfolk - sons Leslie, Gerard, son-in-law Patrick, grandson's Mel, Kurt and Brian carried her coffin into St William's Church for the Funeral Service conducted by their Minister and by Senior Ministers from St Stephens Cathedral, Brisbane (Jean's previous workplace) their attendance unbeknown to the family, such a compliment to the entire family to have had them in attendance. Mel's Eulogy at his Nana's funeral was eloquent, and though it was a sad task to have to perform, his Nana would be smiling down upon him at his kind words. After the very moving Funeral Service in St William's Church, Fawn's family gathered by her side again, as her journey continued to Albany Creek Crematorium where a short service was held. Her ashes were collected on Monday, the Ninth of December, 2002 and the family in a private service quietly scattered Fawn's ashes where a memorial plaque will be placed. May I at this point acknowledge by name all of Fawn's family and friends who so generously gave of their time and support during her illness, - her sisters Ann and Molly, her sister in-law Thora, her children Yvonne, Jean, Pam, Leslie and Gerard, son in-laws Patrick, Jock and James, daughters in-laws Suzanne and Susan, grand children Mel, Brian, Jessica, Patricia, Kurt, Kyle, nieces Sybil and her son Adam, Michelle and her husband Grant and their two children, nephews Malcolm and his wife Trish and their two children, close family friends such as Irene, Sultana and family, Christine and Martin, Bryce and Dianne, Tom and Audrey. Absent from this occasion but certainly there in spirit were Pam and Jock's son Marc in America, and Jean's daughter Andrea, her husband Anthony and their three little boys, Aidan, Zac and Ian (Fawn's great grand children) in Malaysia. Given the distances and separation from their own families some of these people have generously given their time and devotion to be with their Sister, Aunt, Mother, Mother-in-law and Grandmother, would have been a great comfort to Mother Fawn and must of made her feel very special and very much loved, as indeed she was. Last but not least were the nurses and Doctor who attended Mother Fawn and were also very touched by her courage and by your support for her. Our own Mother (named Phyllis also) had a lot in common with Phyllis Elinor Ganapathy and has been deeply touched by her passing. I was very moved when my sister (also named Phyllis - true) mentioned to me at the funeral that they had made a garden in her honour, on their not long purchased property in Bell Bird Park, dedicating this garden to the Memory of Phyllis Elinor Ganapathy.
With our Deepest Sympathy From our Family to Your Family Phyllis James Harcus Nathan & Julia Laird Pippa Harcus, & Michael Rebecca, Mac, Athena & Edain Duuc Glenn Donald & Debbie Harcus Pacquita Jean Harcus (Paxi) Annabelle Sheargold, & Merv, Emma & Matthew Sheargold Nerida & Karl Micaelif Ben Begic Phyllis Margaret Harcus & Ken