Robena Margaret Hood (Hammill), 6/10/1943 – 17/2/2006

How could mere words of mine do justice to the memory of a lady like Robena?

She swiftly made friends with people of a wide range of ages and backgrounds. A lady of many talents, she was always ready to share her skills, but remained modest and self-effacing. Devoted to her husband and family, she still found time to concern herself with the welfare of folks less fortunate than herself.

A lady of diverse interests, she joined Groups of friends with like interests, not just for the benefits she might receive, but to make her own contribution.

Robena loved crafts and especially spinning. She was a member of the spinning and weavers’ club and went to meetings each Wednesday evening after attending the mid-week service at St James’ Church of England. Robena helped with crafts at the Church of England day care centre and for many years, when her children were younger, she was a member of the Church of England young wives. Flowers for Masonic Lodge installations were always arranged by Robena. She was an avid knitter, in her younger years loved dancing, and enjoyed playing the piano in the privacy of her home. As Mayoress of Traralgon, Robena proved to be an enormous help to her husband, Jim.

Her life wasn’t without hardships or illnesses. As a child Robena suffered rheumatic fever and, when she was eleven years old, polio; ten years ago she underwent a heart valve operation.

If I had to choose one word to describe Robena, I think it would be "Legend". My dictionary defines this as "A collection of stories of any admirable person". Rarely does anybody achieve such a status in their lifetime, but I believe Robena to be one of those people.

Her memory will live amongst a broad spectrum of acquaintances, in thought and embodied in her handcrafts.