Vale Norma

Julia's mum, Norma, died on September 12. She was 85, having been born on May 12, 1929. She spent the last six years of her life at Lower Plenty Garden Views care facility and was admitted to hospital a few days before her death with a non-specific infection.

Norma had four children, Robert, Adrian, Julia and Venita, and an adopted daughter, Maria. By the time of her death she had 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A celebration of her life was conducted at Le Pine Chapel, Box Hill, on September 18. It was attended by all her children, many of her grandchildren and a most of her great-grandchildren. Others included two of her sisters, Helen and Janet, and her husband of 37 years, Ron.

The Roffs were represented by Grant, Amanda, Annika and Nicholas.

The order of service started with Amazing Grace followed by a joint eulogy from her four children. It was then the turn of the grandchildren to occupy the pulpit with words of tribute. Annika spoke, as did Nick which included a reflection from Dom who is currently in Canada and obviously unable to attend.

Julia and Nick assembled an audiovisual presentation which covered Norma's time from birth to her last days. It was accompanied by Pachelbel's Cannon in D and painted a comprehensive picture of a rich and interesting life.

Music was important to Norma so the audiovisual presentation was followed by a sing-along which included a medley of player-piano songs the whole family had sung during their many car journeys.

The service finished with 'You are my sunshine'.

If the meaning of life is to love and be loved, Norma was very successful.

The printed order of service finished with a quote from Ashley Montagu which Norma would have enjoyed: "The idea is to die young, as late as possible."