Births, engagements, marriages and vale notices
Vale
Susan Marion Holme (Gavel, 1953) 1 November 1936 – 5 July 2025
Susan was the touchstone of her family: a steady, loving presence whose strength, humour, and warmth shaped the lives of everyone around her. She was resilient and resourceful. She got things done—no fuss, no drama. Just a steady hand, a sharp mind, and a generous heart.
Susan grew up as the middle child of five on her family’s property, ‘Gulgo,’ by the Lachlan River near Condobolin, NSW. From an early age, she was immersed in life on the land—learning its rhythms and seasons firsthand. It was the perfect grounding for her future as a country woman, wife, and steadfast partner to her farmer husband., Ron. Her early schooling came through correspondence and time at Condobolin Primary, then later at PLC Pymble as a boarder, where she made lifelong friendships and where her love of tradition and service to community was reinforced.
Before marriage and motherhood, Susan trained in Karitane Mothercraft nursing—caring for mothers and infants. In the mid-1950s, she worked overseas in the UK and Canada. It was a formative time marked by compassion, independence, and a spirit of exploration that stayed with her all her life.
In September 1957, she married Ron—the love of her life and greatest supporter. Together, they built an enduring partnership spanning more than fifty years. Their home was secure, respectful, and welcoming—not only for their own family but for all who came through their door. Family and tradition mattered deeply to Susan. They were guiding principles woven into the fabric of daily life.
Hospitality was second nature to Susan, and visitors were part of the rhythm of her home: — family, friends, and others were offered a bed — American servicemen on R&R during the Vietnam War were welcomed — overseas trainees became part of the household and extended family — friends filled the house during school holidays. In central Queensland, sales reps often stopped for cuppas and scones. Hosting weekly ladies’ tennis days at ‘Thalmera’ was less about the tennis and more about providing an opportunity for women and children of the district to gather regularly to play and socialise. Frequent IAEA BBQ and water-skiing events with huge numbers of young people and their host families were always memorable, and she made it all seem effortless.
She may not have considered herself artistic, but creativity flowed through her hands. Quilting, embroidery, knitting, crochet, sewing—every piece she made was precise, thoughtful, and filled with care. Many of her friends and relatives have at least one example of Susan’s handiwork. Half the joy was in creating, the other half in giving. Her creativity extended to the kitchen. The aroma of something delicious always seemed to linger, and a meal at her table was always greatly anticipated. Her plum puddings and buttery shortbread became legendary—especially at Christmas.
She was also our chronicler. Susan was a photographer of everyday life—through her lens, even the mundane became meaningful. People, houses being built, craftwork, farms, crops, family events—if you’ve been in her life, chances are she captured it, and there’s photographic evidence to prove it.
Throughout her life, Susan remained deeply committed to the Country Women’s Association in both NSW and later Queensland, serving the organisation for many years in local and statewide roles. She held various executive positions at branch level and went on to serve as Division President and State Vice President. In 1991, she was named Country Woman of the Year—recognition of her steady leadership and enduring service. Susan’s contribution extended far beyond formal roles; she was always ready to help wherever she was needed, with a practical spirit and quiet resolve that inspired those around her. One of Susan’s quiet superpowers was delegation. She had a gift for bringing people together, assigning tasks, and making everyone feel capable and valued. She didn’t try to do it all—she trusted others, saw their strengths, and gave them space to shine. She also believed in sharing her knowledge to enable others. Whether it was cooking, craft, Bridge, or any activity she loved, Susan took great joy in teaching others. She wanted people to experience the same satisfaction and pleasure she found in these pursuits. Her generosity with her time and skills helped build confidence in others and created lasting connections.
Susan also had a curious mind. She loved reading, the theatre, and a good film. She especially loved Bridge—playing with quiet confidence and strategy, always a few thoughtful steps ahead. It was a game that suited her perfectly, and she played it to the end.
Despite health challenges, Susan never let them define her. Instead, she used her experiences to connect with others—offering advice, a listening ear, and comfort to anyone going through something similar.
Susan’s life was also grounded in strong faith. It was a steady presence that guided and strengthened her and helped shape the kindness and compassion with which she lived. She served as an Elder in the Uniting Church, and her contributions— whether morning teas or flower arrangements—were offered with quiet devotion. She was an anchor and sounding board. The person we turned to for wise and sensible advice. Reliable, insightful, steadfast. Someone who believed in us and gave us confidence when we needed it most.
Susan lived a full and interesting life. She travelled widely and contributed wholeheartedly. Never one to complain, she was grateful for her circumstances in life—her marriage to Ron, her family and extended family, and the many people she met, many of whom remained friends to the end.
After a lifetime of love and service to family, friends, and communities near and far, Susan may now rest in peace— knowing she will always be loved and remembered by all who knew her. We carry her with us: —in the values she lived by, —in the traditions she started, —in the recipes, knowledge and skills she passed down, —and in the love she gave so freely.
Lisa Marie (1979)
27/11/1961- 08/03/2026
After a brave fight and a fierce determination to cross of as many things on her “bucket list”, Lisa lost her battle with cancer. She never complained and was always thinking of ways she could help her family and friends. She will be sorely missed.
RIP Sue, Tish, Robert, Rohan, Sam and Tom.
Kate Murray
Natalie Reid (2014)
Dr Kate Hadwen