Joyce Panther’s Funeral – 24 August 2026

The service for Joyce was held at Heritage Funerals’ chapel, Wantirna. As the overflowing congregation gathered, Victoria Welsh Choir, conducted and accompanied by Rushan Hewawasam, performed two Welsh favourites Anfonaf Angel and Calon Lân. This was followed by Joyce’s special choice Abide with Me which she had loved since it was sung at her mother’s funeral.

Celebrant Andrew Henley welcomed the assembly and acknowledged the various connections and relationships from all aspects of Joyce’s rich life. There was also a display of objects reflecting her interests and hobbies – her Miss Speedy name sign from her first job at the tourist board, a codewords puzzle book, a police thriller and her latest knitted garment for premature babies, poignantly still not quite finished.

Eric remembered the very day in 1953 when Miss Speedy and the equally fast Panther met on a school bus and instantly fell in love. They were married for 69 years but inseparable for 73, a match surely made in Bendigo and inspirational in its longevity.  They travelled widely in Australia and, after retirement, went to many countries around the world with Paris being Joyce’s favourite. She was a very well-organised homemaker, a brilliant cook, a knitter and a prodigious seamstress of clothes and curtains. Eric’s constant love shone through his eulogy, confiding that Joyce’s very last words to him were, ‘Didn’t we have a wonderful life, darling.’ Their hands remained entwined, as they had done for nearly three-quarters of a century.

Her children Tony and Mary spoke lovingly about her favourite dishes, her patience, her discipline when needed and her love of British police procedurals and crime novels. They would miss her thoughtfulness and understanding, always freely given not just to her children and grandchildren but extending to her wide circle of friends, many of them at the service to pay their respects.

Twin grand-daughters Jessica and Sarah remembered her warmth and her unfailing support and interest in their lives.

Old friend Jewel Matthews’ eulogy was read out by Andrew. Having met in their twenties at the tennis club as young mothers, their relationship was cemented in 1999 when they travelled together with the choir on their tour of Wales. After their return they and Eric joined the choir’s support team where they became absolute stalwarts. Exactly one week before her death, Joyce was in the group, at Blackburn, chatting whilst knitting her latest premmie set, alas not finished, but a physical legacy of the many outfits she had supplied over the years.

A beautifully presented photo montage was shown, accompanied by The Four Lads’ version of Moments to Remember and Nat King Coles’ Sentimental Reasons.

Finally, Joyce’s casket was led out of the chapel by Eric and the family, as her beloved choir gently chanted their heartfelt goodbyes with Sunset Poem, specifically requested by her.

And to the sun, we all will bow

And say goodbye – but just for now.