NAN We have all shared our own very special memories with our Nanny Neice. Some of mine in particular were our love for cats, any animals at that, our interest in history and of the world and also the fact that we were the only two of the Owen’s family to go to university. I definitely know that my brain came from my Nan! Anytime I needed to know about something, write an essay or do an assignment all I would need to do is call Nan and she would be more than happy to help. She was better than any book or encyclopaedia. She could have been anything she wanted to with her intelligence, but she always chose her family in every single situation. Everyone that met her knew that she was so intelligent and so interesting! None of us could ever do any wrong in her eyes; she stood by all of us. We could tell her anything and she always ensured us that it was ok. She loved being around her family as much as she could and I think this is why we are all so close today. She loved hearing all about each and every one of our lives. She wanted to know all about our nights out, our weekends, our parties, our jobs, travels and adventures. When we were younger Nan would quite often mind us, we would walk around to her place in Mascot after school where she would spoil us with her beautiful spag bowl as well as allowing us to do whatever we wanted. I remember one time when I was home sick, she gave me my medicine with Fanta, and still to this day I can’t drink it because it reminds me of that taste. Nan also loved to party just like us, it was only 2 years back on NYE that Michelle Tucker took her to Porkies in the Cross till 7am! She loved this night so much she was still talking about it only weeks ago. Nan was at every single one of her children’s and grandchildren’s parties and birthdays. There were also so many funny times we shared with her so recently at her apartment in Zetland, Nan with her shot of Chivas in one hand, singing along to Bob Dylan and laughing at Michelle showing us what she would be doing when she got to Europe. Her strength was also one of her most predominant qualities, which I’m sure everyone knows. Nan was not scared of anything or anyone! Although I think that many were scared of her! I hope that I turn out to be even a quarter of the strong person she was because the strength she showed us all was truly amazing. She endured so much in her lifetime and each and every time I hear about those times I feel so proud to call her my Nan. I also wanted to mention how extremely proud we all are of Nan’s beautiful daughters (my mother and aunties) as well as her only boy, James. They are who they are because of my Nan and we can all see that each of them have received so many of Nan’s amazing qualities and morals in so many special ways, especially her strength. As you would know what they all did for Nan these past few months was absolutely amazing. She was so proud of you all! I’ll always look up to you Nan and I love you so much. You were our family rock, you looked after all of us and you kept everything in order. I’m really not sure how we’ll go without having you in our lives every single day, because that is how it’s always been. But I know I’ll see you again one day, where you can finally introduce me to pop!

Memories of Denise - long suffering supporter of her eldest daughter and I as we traversed our twenties, feminist, community activist, mum, friend to many. Thanks for everything Denise. Nareen, Paul, Haryy, Roisin

Wonderful memories of Denise both as a workmate and fellow trade unionist. Condolences to all members of the Owen family - especially Bron. Regret my inability to attend funeral. Have a schooner of fifty for me. Fraternally, Charlie Henry.