Good afternoon, everyone. I'd like to start by offering my deepest condolences to Karen and the rest of Marie's family.
I stand before you today representing the Brunswick Spiritual Lyceum Church, a community Marie was deeply devoted to for well over 30 years. She was a familiar and welcoming presence when I joined nearly 29 years ago. Her unwavering commitment and service were honored a few years ago with a Life Membership, a testament to her profound impact on our church.
Marie was a compassionate and deeply intuitive medium. For many years, she graced our rostrum on Sundays, offering proof of survival to the congregation. Her talents also extended to the Fawkner and Preston churches, where she provided clairvoyance and flower readings. At Brunswick, she was a fixture at our monthly Readings Days for over two decades, giving both clairvoyant and tarot card readings. She only stepped back from this cherished service when her health no longer allowed her to spend a full day at the church.
Even then, she still attended our church fairs, offering hand massages. There was always a queue of people eager to sit with Marie for a hand massage, but I suspect it was her kind presence and gentle words that truly drew people to her on those days.
Marie dedicated many years to our church, serving on the committee for several terms over a 20-year period. She was also a regular on the kitchen roster, helping to serve afternoon tea to those attending our services.
Many at the church will remember the trademark collection of colourful scarves she wore each Sunday. She generously donated a huge number to our church shop, which were eagerly snapped up, yet she always seemed to have a never-ending supply that she continued wearing.
Throughout the many years I knew Marie, she was a loving and supportive friend. She generously gave her time, gifts, love, and support not only to the church but to everyone she met, and unfailingly to me personally. My gratitude to her is boundless.
Marie's dedication to Spiritualism and her firm belief in our philosophy of continued existence in the afterlife were profound. It is with her spirit in mind that I dedicate this poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye, for it truly encapsulates her essence.
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning's hush,
I am in the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I did not die.
Rest in peace, dear Marie. You will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Funeral Date: Friday, August 8th
Time: 11.30 a.m.
Place: Cordell Chapel, Fawkner Memorial Park
Live Streaming: Please go to ERN Jenson Funerals, Preston.
