The members of Kangaroo Valley VIEW Club were very sad to learn that our dear friend Una Chapman passed away on Friday 30 December 2022, a week short of her 80th Birthday. Una was diagnosed with terminal cancer around July 2022 and, after looking at options available to her, she decided to forgo treatment and live the best life she could with the time she had left. With the help of friends, neighbours and family she was able to stay at home until the last week of her life. When her pain became too much she was admitted to palliative care at Karinya in Berry and passed away peacefully surrounded by family.
Una led a full life. She had a very successful career as a midwife spending the major part of her career at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney. After she retired she moved to Kangaroo Valley in 2006. She helped many people in the Kangaroo Valley community in a quiet way. She joined the Kangaroo Valley VIEW Club in August 2006. She participated at committee level for most of the time she was a member, dedicating herself to raising money for the club’s work.
Una also travelled far and wide in Australia and overseas.
Una’s funeral service was held in the beautiful Horbury Hunt designed sandstone Presbyterian Church in Nowra. Una was an Elder and strong supporter of this church. Friends and family spoke lovingly of her. We learnt that Una’s mother died when she was nine and with her brothers and sister she was sent to live at Burnside homes in Sydney for three years. When her father remarried the family was reunited into a blended family. The family went to live in the Wollongong area and Una trained as a nurse at Bulli hospital and then continued with her studies to specialise in midwifery. After completing her studies she travelled to Portugal and worked there before returning to Australia.
Una believed in keeping calm and carrying on. A down-to-earth person, she did not want to trouble anyone, but gracefully accepted help at the end when she needed it. It was her turn to receive after her many years of giving.
The Rev. Max Walker led Una’s funeral service. Una was a committed Christian and she wanted those people attending her funeral service to hear and understand the message about Jesus from the bible- John 14: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you with me that you also know where I am.” Una believed and knew where she was going.
Una’s nephew summed up Una’s contribution to this life when he said she spread kindness and compassion throughout her family and community.
Kangaroo Valley VIEW Club offer our sincere condolences to Una’s friends and family and all the people whose lives she has touched.
Our next VIEW Club lunch meeting will be at the Friendly Inn on 10 February 2023. 11.30-12 noon. This will be our AGM.
Gayle Rudd will be contacting all members by phone or email about the next meeting’s arrangements.
VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) is a leading women’s organisation with close to 300 clubs across Australia, all dedicated to supporting children in need with their education through The Smith Family. Members do this through community fundraising, spreading awareness, and volunteering.
To contact Kangaroo Valley VIEW Club please phone our Secretary Gayle Rudd on 0405 315 950.
Jeannette Dumbrell
