I remember Marianne's crazy vibrant household in Surry Hills when our children were growing up - on any afternoon you'd find half the neighbourhood kids there, it seemed. Marianne's door was always open. She was one of the most warm and generous people I've known, and so easy to be around - you could talk to her about anything. Marianne and Robert were always there to help me when I needed it. When my sister died, Marianne gave me some lovely flowers and wrote on a card 'Sometimes the most beautiful flowers bloom for only a short time'. Marianne would have been 54 this week on May 5th, another beautiful person whose life was too short, but filled with love for her family and constant kindness to her friends. Everyone in our family is sad that Marianne passed away last year, and we would like to send our thoughts out to her family. From Dawn

You are a fun loving, happy soul who enjoys travelling. You love your family intensely. Marianne, I have many great memories of you growing up. I remember you as a fun-loving person with a dry sense of humour and a quick wit. I was amazed at how you could think up funny quips so quickly. You and Debbie and I would spend many hours playing together on the front lawn, games like soccer, golf, tennis or doing gymnastics. I remember going to swimming lessons on Saturday mornings at Peakhurst West Public School, and in later years doing ballroom dancing at Narwee, where we used to like to check out the boys who came along. I remember doing lots of art with you and making things at home, like games and dolls. We used to make our own board games. I remember sewing our own clothes and making bikinis and trousers. As we got into our teens we would go to the civic centre dances and parties, church coffee shops and to Roselands where we would hang out. We loved going to Cronulla beach by train from our home in Riverwood. Later on we took many holidays together. I enjoyed going on two Pacific cruises with you in 1975 & 1976, around Australia with our German friends in the Kombi van in 1981, and to Malaysia Club Med in 1985. I always enjoyed your companionship and friendship. We bought a caravan together in 1981, and I enjoyed skiing with you when we stayed in the caravan at Jindabyne. I enjoyed sharing my flat with you in 1983 and 84, and we always got on well. We could be honest with each other. You are a good friend as well as a sister. I enjoyed the ski holiday at Smiggens with you and Robert and your young children in 1989. I remember you’ve always had a kind heart to help at the drop of a hat whenever help was needed. Nothing was too much trouble for you when someone needed help. I appreciate you minding Laura many times, and taking Kate and Garth into your home. Marianne, I will miss you greatly as a much loved sister.