It is with great sadness that Arlene and I advise the passing of our Mum, Joan Margaret Vaughan OAM, Life Member of the Mini Car Club of NSW, Surf Life Saving and many other community organisations.
Mum passed away peacefully at Casa Mia, Padstow, on Friday 05/09/25, she was 96.
It was her time and she went on her own terms, not surprising to any of us.
Mum was the Mini Car Club’s Secretary for a total of 33 years only standing down last year as she could not drive her Mini to committee meetings anymore.
Mum’s commitment to public service through Surf Life Saving, Mini Car Club, Mulga Road Bookshop, Georges River Community Service and Mortdale Community Service, Meals on Wheels and many more was never ending and she loved it. Mum was recognised for her service with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1999 for her service to the community, particularly through surf lifesaving. She made history by becoming one of the first female members of a Surf Life Saving Club – Burning Palms, marking her as a trailblazer in the movement, which she was most proud.
Mum, could you come back and stay for just a little while, we want to hear your voice and see your smile, we want to hold you tight and never let you go and tell you how much we love you. Remembering you is easy, we do it every day, but missing you is a heartache that will never go away.
Arlene and I would like to advise that there will be no funeral, instead Mum just wanted an “After Party” which we will advise in due course.
Rest in Peace Mum, your work here is done
Article By Alan Vaughan and Arlene Jackson