NEWS
Our local community has been greatly diminished by the death of Newstead resident Gloria Grant after a battle with cancer. The co-author of the excellent local historical book, Reflections of New Farm, was farewelled by about 100 mourners at the Merthyr Road Uniting Church last Saturday.
Her partner in publishing and in life Gerard Benjamin told the congregation: “People keep saying that it was always wonderful talking to Gloria. Perhaps it was her sympathetic ear or maybe a helpful word of advice. For the most part, people came away from a meeting with her, buoyed not with some wonderful gem of insight, but because she’d helped them to glimpse the wealth of spirit within themselves.
“Even in the midst of her medical travails, Gloria is remembered fondly at both hospitals for holding the hand of the ministering nurse or doctor, as if to console them for the helplessness which they felt in the face of her worsening condition.
“I can only imagine that she had a vast reservoir of spirit upon which to call, thus enabling her to offer her overflow to others. Never was there a more appropriate instance of the truth of Adam Lindsay Gordon’s verse: ‘Two things stand like stone. Kindness in another's trouble, courage in your own.’ “Long live Gloria!”
Ross Garnett from the New Farm and Districts Historical Society said in one of the many emails posted after Gloria passed away that the society had “had lost one of our valuable members”.
“Gloria was a gracious and generous lady, in particular with her historical knowledge, her insight into human nature and her gifts in writing which benefitted so many, whether they be individuals, the society or the wider community. She will be sadly missed.”
