Births

Elizabeth Lolicato (Wettenhall, 2007) welcomed baby boy Harvey Martin Lolicato safe and well, three weeks early on Wednesday 12 February 2025. Big sister Nina Ivy Lolicato was very excited to welcome him home. Elizabeth and her family are enjoying settling into life as a family of four.  

Alice He (2009) and husband Brendan Law welcomed baby Audrey Law on 1 June 2025. Audrey is the first child for Alice and Brendan.

‍

‍

Vale

Acknowledging, celebrating and paying tribute to the women who make up our Melbourne Girls Grammar community is important to us. Graduates of Melbourne Girls Grammar and other community members have gone on to do incredible things with their lives.

If you'd like to pass on an obituary for an Old Grammarian or past staff member for IE, please email community@mggs.vic.edu.au.

Janice Bate (Wilson, 1950) passed away on 23 January 2025

Diana Cherry (1959)

Gillian Clark (1952) 24 June 1935 – 18 July 2021

Barbara Fraser (1948) 31 October 1931 – 26 May 2025

Erica Gregory (Asche, 1945) 15 December 1926 – 8 November 2024

Janet Langley (Sides, 1953) 21 July 1936 – 9 November 2024

Joan Inkster (1948) 3 March 1930 – 11 February 2025

Cynthia Rowe (1955) passed away on 6 April 2025

Jan Tracy (Wilkinson, 1950) 9 February 1933 – 6 December 2024

Jenifer Mary Russell (Foard, 1951) 24 September 1934 – 9 December 2024

Winifred Speagle (1944)

‍

Obituaries  

Janice Bate (Wilson, 1950) – 23 January 2025

Janice and her older sister Barbara both attended MGGS from grade one through to matriculation, Janice finishing in 1950. Janice loved her time at the School and her memories were strong, particularly of being evacuated to Marysville during the Second World War, and the leadership of Dorothy Ross. She was the third child of Canon Philip and Gwendline Wilson. Philip taught at MGS and was housemaster at Perry House and Chaplain at the School, before moving to Brighton Grammar to be headmaster. Janice's other sibling Philip (Geordie) attended MGS.

After school she studied nursing at the Alfred Hospital, but did not practice due to marriage except for a brief period in the 1970’s under Matron Vivienne Bulwinkle at Fairfield Infectious Disease Hospital. While living at Brighton Grammar she met a young teacher Weston Bate, whom she married in 1955. Soon after their marriage, Weston, then a teacher at MGS, was posted as an exchange teacher to Bradfield College, United Kingdom. Their first son, James was born in England in 1956. They returned to Melbourne in late 1957 with Weston resuming teaching at MGS. They bought a house in Hawthorn and had a further four sons and finally a long awaited daughter.

Janice’s stint on the Committee at Brookville Kindergarten in Toorak led to many years of voluntary involvement with kindergartens and children’s education more generally. She was asked to join the committee of Boroondara Kindergarten in Richmond, which being in the lee of the Housing Commission flats, had few parents with the expertise to form a committee. She then joined the Board of Free Kindergarten Union of Victoria and was later Chair of the Premier of Victoria’s Children’s Week Committee representing Victoria on the National Committee.

Through other connections at Brookville Kindergarten, Janice was invited to join the Ethics Committee at Prince Henry’s Hospital and was later appointed to the Hospital Board. She was very vocal to Government about preventing the relocation of the Hospital firstly to Sunshine, which was avoided, and then to Dandenong, where it became the Monash Medical Centre. She appreciated the level of expertise built up at the hospital in St Kilda Road and did not want to see the loss of that expertise in its relocation. Weston’s retirement in 1989 ushered in a new era with a move from the family home in Hawthorn to a house in East Brighton, close to where she grew up. Weston and Janice also bought some land in Merricks North which they loved and poured their energy into; creating a garden that was part of the Open Garden’s Scheme. She was a member of the Mornington Peninsula Rose Society and bought many rare plants from Stephen Ryan’s nursery in Mount Macedon. Janice loved cooking and entertaining, being equally adept at dinner parties or casual lunches in the garden at Merricks. She was always active and car journeys were never wasted, instead seen as an opportunity to knit a jumper or finish some sewing. She made most of her own clothes from the age of 15. Janice enjoyed social occasions and had that gift of making the person she was talking to feel that they were the centre of her attention. Weston passed away in 2017 and Janice sorely missed the love of her life. They are survived by their six children and nine grandchildren.

‍

Diana Cherry  (1959)

Diana passed away peacefully at the Hospice Waterloo Region, Cook Family Residence, in her 84th year with her devoted family around her. She died from ventriculitis, a complication of a brain abscess likely dating from early November 2024; both are rare conditions. Diana is survived in Canada by Winston, her husband of more than 50 years, their three children and their partners, Jill, James (Melissa) and Suzanne (Peter) and two grandchildren Sam and Leanne, and in Australia by her older sister Helen Derrick (Laurence) and the members of her family. Diana was predeceased by her parents and the older of her sisters, Maree Smith (William).

Diana was born in New South Wales, Australia as the third daughter of Alan and Virginie. She attended a number of primary and secondary schools in NSW as her family moved for her father's employment with the Australian Mutual Provident Society. Diana completed her secondary schooling at the Hermitage in Geelong and Merton Hall in Melbourne. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts and Diploma of Education from the University of Melbourne and, later, a Master of Education from the University of Windsor.

Diana taught for two years in Melbourne secondary schools in the mid-1960s. She and Winston met at St. John's Anglican Church, East Malvern, in late 1964; they married and then later left Australia in mid-August, 1966, travelling by ship (the Fairsea) to Naples and then through Europe to Cambridge, England. They left the UK in 1968, for Canada where Winston had obtained a position at the fledgling University of Waterloo. Diana and Winston lived in an apartment on Spadina Road, Kitchener, for about 16 months, then in Westcourt Place, Waterloo, for about four years, then later moved to a family home. In 1976, Diana resumed her teaching career with some supply teaching and then half-time positions at the Cambridge Christian School on Myers Road for four years, at the Kitchener-Waterloo Bilingual School for 25 years, and for three years at the Grand Valley Institute for Women. For much of her time in Canada, Diana contributed to her community with volunteer work, including at the KW Volunteer Bureau founded by Peggy Stayt, and clubs like the Canadian Federation of University Women: KW Branch (of which she was a member for 52 years) and, more recently, Women's Probus Clubs; in such organisations, Diana contributed to their betterment by taking on often onerous administrative positions. Diana's participation was a key factor in establishing endowments to reward academic excellence in Statistics at the University of Waterloo and to support indigenous students at Wilfrid Laurier University and specific disadvantaged student groups at Renison University College.

Starting as early as 1996, Diana obtained great satisfaction and enjoyment from organising and then taking part in travel, as a couple, both before children and after they had left home, and as a family of five. Particular highlights from a long list include Italy, Greece and Scandinavia in 1967, family camping trips to the Maritimes, Florida and the Rockies, tours of Alaska (including the Arctic Ocean at Deadhorse) and the Yukon, Newfoundland and Turkey. Diana and Winston were also fortunate to be able, on two tours, to take their adult children to experience some of their favourite UK and European places. Another travel highlight for Diana was her 25 or so trips to Australia over a period of more than 50 years; as well as enabling extensive travel with Winston within Australia, Diana used these trips to maintain strong relationships with many extended family members and a loyal group of childhood friends. Diana and Winston attended St. Andrew's Anglican Church, Kitchener, during their early years in Canada, followed by the Church of the Holy Saviour in Waterloo for more than 50 years. Diana contributed to many aspects of church membership.

Diana’s wide range of practical accomplishments was augmented by a high degree of social engagement. Her empathy and her caring nature will be greatly missed among the large and diverse group of her friends. Diana’s family wishes to record their gratitude for the dedication and professionalism of the numerous medical staff and other caregivers at the Grand River Hospital and Hamilton General Hospital, who worked so tirelessly with Diana to try to achieve a successful outcome in a succession of demanding situations. The care and dedication of the staff and volunteers at the Cook Family Residence (Waterloo Hospice) were also exemplary. Diana’s family members are happy to regard as expressions of sympathy the care and support they have already received from so many friends and family members, in so many ways over the difficult weeks since she was first hospitalised. Diana’s wish to be cremated has been met. In view of difficulties arising from the time of year, a private family funeral has been held. Diana’s family received relatives and friends at Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, 1001 Ottawa Street South, Kitchener on Friday 9 May 2025 and a celebration of her remarkable life was held on Saturday 10 May 2025.

Barbara Fraser (1948) 31 October 1931 – 26 May 2025

Barbara a devoted wife, mother, grand mother, great grandmother, educator, author and passionate environmental advocate. Born in Melbourne, she studied social work, psychology and education, earning a PhD while raising five children. Barb was a lecturer at RMIT, co-founded two vineyards, and wrote over 500 letters to The Age on climate, politics and animal welfare. A tireless campaigner for renewable energy and climate justice, she joined Lighter Footprints later in life and remained active into her 90s.  She loved walking, swimming, German shepherds, gardens, conversation and ideas. Barb was joyful, kind, and deeply connected to nature, family, friends and her community. She died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, leaving behind a lasting legacy of kindness, courage and care for the environment. 

‍

Erica Gregory (Asche, 1945) 15 December 1926 – 8 November 2024‍‍

Erica commenced boarding at Merton Hall at age six in 1933, but soon became a day student. Her schooling was interrupted, firstly by the Polio outbreak when she was sent to Darwin for a couple of years and later by WWII, when the school was taken over by the Air Force between 1942 and 1944. During this time Erica firstly boarded at the School’s temporary campus in Marysville and afterwards travelled by train to Doncaster. Erica passed away in the close company of family a few weeks after a hip replacement required due to a fall, aged almost 97. She remained mentally very well and is missed enormously her family.  

Janet Langley (Sides, 1953) 21 July 1936 – 9 November 2024

Born in the NSW Riverina at the Hay Red Cross Bush Nursing Unit, Janet was the eldest child of four to Margaret and Ken Sides of ‘Arcadia’ Goolgowi, NSW. Prior to Janet attending Merton Hall for her secondary education, she was educated by Black Friars Correspondence, Claughton House and the Hay Public School. A true and loyal old girl returning to many school reunions over the past 70 years. She nurtured and valued her lifelong school friends right till the end. Janet married John Langley in 1957 and had three children Fiona, Rowena and Jock. They lived in the Riverina at 'Kolora', Hay, a large sheep and cattle property until 1978 when sadly their marriage ended.

She rebuilt her life with many challenges along the way, tackling all with great determination, grace and dignity. Her greatest loves were running a pastoral property, raising three children, working as a Matron at Geelong Grammar and traveling to North QLD each year to visit family. She lived in Benalla, Victoria for 40 years and sadly passed away aged 88 from complications after a stroke in October last year. She is survived by her three children and four grandchildren.

Joan Inkster (1948) 3 March 1930 – 11 February 2025

‍After completing school Joan studied nursing which she loved and then headed to the UK by ship for adventure. On returning to Melbourne she met and married John Inkster. They built their forever home in Berwick and had three children Judith, Wesley and Jenni. Joan was very active in her church and many other community groups. She died in February at the age of 94. She was a cheerful, engaging lady who was loved by all who met and knew her. She is survived by her three children, their spouses, six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.  

‍

Cynthia Rowe (1955)

It is with great sadness we advise that Cynthia Leigh Rowe passed away peacefully on Sunday 6 April 2025, aged 86 in Sydney surrounded by her family, her loving husband, Bruce, and children Belinda and Simon. Cynthia’s lifelong love of language began early, nurtured by her parents, Leigh and Mildred. She studied a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, majoring in French and English. Her passion led her to become a devoted French and English teacher, inspiring generations of students. Cynthia was a prolific writer and author of eight novels, including Couscous Threads, which was Highly Commended by the Society of Women Writers NSW 2009 Biennial Book Awards. She published short stories, poetry, and a play, Not the Vice-Chancellor, which featured in Sydney’s Short and Sweet Festival in 2008. Her poetry collections Driftwood (2010) published by Ginninderra Press and Floating Nest (2014) and Stone Circles (2017) showcased her lyrical voice and keen observation of the natural world and humanity. 

In the last 20 years, Cynthia became a passionate, highly awarded haiku poet. She served as President of the Australian Haiku Society, Editor of Haiku Xpressions for over 15 years, and President of the Bondi Writers’ Group. She created publishing opportunities for writers across Australia and internationally. Her global recognition included First Prize in the 2015 World Haiku Contest. 

Her passion for the French language started at Melbourne Girls Grammar (Merton Hall) where French teachers inspired her. Cynthia was awarded a Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française by the French Ministry of Education. She was educated under the leadership of Dorothy Ross, a pioneer in girls' education who had been coached in ancient Greek by Cynthia’s grandfather, Samuel Coad. As a result, Cynthia was committed to education and the advancement of women, maintaining a strong connection to Merton Hall where generations of her family attended including her mother Mildred, sister Vivienne, daughter Belinda, nieces Samantha Dugdale and Georgie Stromland. In this spirit, she established the Cynthia Rowe French Exchange Scholarship to support French language students at the School. 

Cynthia was deeply committed to fostering literary communities, generously mentoring emerging writers and contributing to the global haiku movement. Cynthia Rowe leaves a remarkable legacy through her writing and teaching. She will be remembered for her creativity, generosity, and the enduring spirit she brought to everything she pursued. 

our window-box 
a honeybee meanders 
among my desires 
Equal 1st Prize 22ndHIA (Haiku International Association) Haiku Contest 2020 

Jan Tracy (Wilkinson, 1950) 9 February 1933 – 6 December 2024

Jan died in December 2024 after a long illness. She lived a long life characterised by generosity and love. She was a giver: caring, helping, volunteering and financially supporting many causes and enriched many lives throughout her lifetime. She attended MGGS for both her primary and secondary school years and was one of the group of girls evacuated to Marysville during WWII. She was away for a year and the family didn’t have a car so there were no visits. She remembered it as being a happy time with her friends and the young female teachers caring for them. The exception was the vivid memory of being dared to sit on an anthill – doing so – and regretting that decision deeply! Many of the friendships from her time at MGGS lasted a lifetime.

Throughout her life, her values and her priorities were family and friends; generosity and care; grace and courtesy; thoughtfulness and compassion; and loyalty and love. She is survived by her daughter, Jane, and son, Marc; five grandchildren; and six great grandchildren – all who miss her greatly, and in whom her legacy will live on.

‍

Jenifer Mary Russell (Foard, 1951) 24 September 1934 – 9 December 2024  

Much adored and loving wife of Ken for 69 years. Jenny is survived by her four children, eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Jenny trained as a nurse at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. She was active sportswoman during her time at Merton Hall, excelling in swimming and hockey. She was an enthusiastic horse rider and sailed competitively at Metung until she was 82 years old. Golf was a massive part of her life, being Captain of Bairnsdale Golf Club in East Gippsland and a life member of the East Gippsland Association. Jenny was the instigator of the Junior Girls Golf Camps at Lakes Entrance for 30 years, encouraging young women to play the game of golf.  She was also a member of Royal Melbourne, Peninsula and Metropolitan Golf Clubs during her life. She was awarded The Australian Sport Medal for Services to Golf. Jenny was on the Victorian Ladies Golf Union Finance Committee as a representative of the East Gippsland District. Jenny also had a passion for wooden boats.  She was, together with husband Ken, a life member of the Metung Yacht Club.

‍

‍