Marriages & Engagements

• Lucy Gough (2015) is engaged to James Baxter. They are currently travelling and have not as yet made plans for their wedding.
• Isabella (Bella) Hackworth (2013) and William Gormly were married on 26 September 2024 in the Royal Botanic Gardens.  Three Old Grammarians–Claudia Hackworth (2008), Sarah Russell (2013) and Phoebe Rennie (2013)– joined Bella on her special day as her bridesmaids while another Old Grammarian–Maddy Guest (2013) was their Celebrant. 
• Lily Langford (2014) married Hugo Tribe on 16 November in Holbrook, NSW. The ceremony was held right at sunset in the paddock surrounded by 150 friends and family. It was extra special as they were the fourth generation to get married on the property. Lily was joined by Old Grammarians Katherine (Kate) Morris (2014) and Caroline Bett (2014).
• Georgia Sandford (2015) is engaged to Liam Headon. They are planning for the wedding to take place in Deniliquin on the River in December 2025.

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.

Patricia (Pat) Holdenson OAM (Tulloch, 1944)  02 December 1927–13 November 2024

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

Jan Healy (Pollock, 1969) 4 October 1951–26 October 2024

Beverley Ross (1945) 26 April 1926–2 January 2024

Obituaries  

Beverley Ross (1945) died peacefully on 2 January 2024 at the age of 98.

An only child, Beverley grew up in Caulfield and attended Shelford for four years before moving to Merton Hall (MGGS), where she formed lasting friendships that she cherished throughout her life.

During World War II, Beverley spent time in Marysville before being relocated to Doncaster due to illness. She later trained as an Occupational Therapist and dedicated many years of voluntary service to causes close to her heart. Beverley’s love of travel took her to Asia, the UK and Europe, before she settled in Hawthorn, where she lived for much of her adult life.

Beverley’s deep and enduring friendships, particularly with her treasured schoolmates, were a hallmark of her character. She will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, and commitment to helping others. Beverley’s legacy lives on through the many lives she touched, and she will be missed by all who knew her.

Janet Langley (Sides, 1953)

Janet passed away peacefully in Wangaratta Hospital on 9 November 2024. Janet and her sister Mary (Sides, 1959) both attended boarding school at Merton Hall.

Patricia (Pat) Holdenson OAM (Tulloch, 1944)  

Pat reflected on her years at Merton Hall frequently; the knowledge she gained, the skills she learned and the friends she made. In describing her years at Merton Hall, she would always say “It was just wonderful.” On finishing school, Pat gained entry to Melbourne University to study a Bachelor of Arts and Journalism. However, she decided that a cadetship at The Argus would provide her with the best opportunities for success and would immerse her quickly into the exciting “world of news and human interest.” Pat became a respected journalist and editor at both the Argus and the successful magazine, Fashion. She loved writing for the social pages, in which she shared the highlights of Melbourne’s most glamorous parties and weddings. After marrying John Holdenson in 1950, the pair turned their sights to the Western District of Victoria where John managed a large rural property.  

Pat adored country life and the warmth of the rural community, but with the advent of children and changes to the family business, Pat and John decided to return to Melbourne.  

Along with being a devoted Mum, Pat dedicated much of her time to charitable work; serving on the Board of the Children’s Welfare Association, the Royal District Nursing Service and Berry Street. Pat was thrilled to receive an Order of Australia Medal and, later, the Centenary Medal in recognition of her outstanding community service. Beyond these awards, Pat was well recognised for her ability to connect and engage with people from all walks of life. She thrived on her participation in Australian politics and her passion for travel and adventure. She was eternally grateful for the happiness of her childhood, her education at Merton Hall and the love and support of her wonderful friends. However, her greatest joy was her family; her beloved brother, her three daughters, nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.  

Pat was so proud that the tradition of attending Merton Hall would continue for a fourth generation with many of her great-granddaughters already enrolled. For nearly 97 years, Pat embraced all that life could offer. She will be greatly missed and so fondly remembered.