It might sound morbid to actively seek out information on death and dying, but as humans whether we want to or not, we do dwell on death. Believe it or not, reading about dying can actually be a very helpful and practical activity that serves a range of purposes. Reading about death can help us through different stages of the grieving process, can help us face our fears about dying and can also be useful when you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. It’s easy to sweep the topic of death under the carpet until you lose someone you love or you are faced with a terminal diagnosis yourself, but we encourage you to read your way around your questions and fears. There are literally thousands of books out there on the topic of death and dying, but here we’ve put together a small reading list (in no particular order) of some of what is available out there for you. Ultimately, you have to do what works for you, but we hope that this article provides some guidance in a useful direction. We’ve also included some books to help children understand death at the end of this article. Surviving the Tsunami of Grief – Katrina Taee and Wendelien McNicoll “An illustrated and oral guide to grief, for those who are grieving and their families and friends who are supporting them. It offers guidance, wisdom and hope for the longer bereavement journey. The last three chapters suggest ways people can help those who grieve and offers practical and useful suggestions to support them.” With the end in Mind – Dr Kathryn Mannix “How should we think of death and how can we prepare for it? With the End in Mind is a book for us all: the grieving and bereaved, the ill and the healthy. By turns touching and tragic, funny and wise, it tells powerful human stories of life and death… A powerful and emotional book based on a lifetime’s clinical experience, With the End in Mind offers calm, wise advice on how to face death, live fully and find a model for hope in dark times.” Outside the Box – Liz Rothschild “We live in a society where people struggle to look death in the eye. Death has become the territory of professionals and we rarely see a dead body, unless it is someone very close to us. Death has become hidden, and so more traumatic. This book shows that, if we start talking openly about death, it can change the way we live. In it, people from all walks of life share their experiences and what they have learned from accompanying others. Heartbreaking, angry, questioning and contradictory – even laugh-aloud funny – the stories illuminate, inspire, reassure and inform. They are accompanied by advice and comment from professionals working in end-of-life planning, health, bereavement and funeral care.” Undying – Michael Faber “In Undying Michel Faber honours the memory of his wife, who died after a … Read More
BECKER, Margaret Joan
Nee McKee Known as Margaret. Late of Mundubbera, formerly of Warwick. Passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Monday, 8th November 2021, aged 81 years. Much loved Wife of Tony. Loving Mother and Mother-in-law of Ross and Melita, David and Kim. Cherished Daughter of William (dec’d) and Beatrice (dec’d). Loving Nan and MaMa of Caley, Braydon, Ashleigh, Emma, Lillie, Tyson, Jai, Riley, Michael, Meredith. Beloved Sister and Sister-in-law of Keith (dec’d), Dawn (dec’d), Veronica, Valerie, Kerry, Robert (dec’d). Relatives and friends are warmly invited to attend a celebration of Margaret’s life to be held at the Mundubbera Town Hall on Thursday, 18th November 2021, commencing at 1.30 pm, followed by interment in the Mundubbera Lawn Cemetery. “Forever in our hearts” COVID-19 restrictions will apply. Hand sanitizing and social distancing are essential. All attendees will be required to sign in using the Qld QR App. Margaret’s funeral service will be live streamed and those wishing to participate should email Burnett Regional Funeral Services on admin@jenlesley.com.au
BELL, Raymond Trinity
Known as “Frog” Late of Mundubbera. Tragically taken on Saturday, 6th November 2021, aged 28 years. Adored Partner of Kelly and cherished Daddy of Haisley. Only Son of Cuz (dec’d) and Ma. Beloved Son-in-law of Bruce and Debby. Adored Brother and Brother-in-law of Cherie, Jodie, Tracey and Reece, Victoria and Nato, Niecy and Kev, Lindsay, Missy, Dale, Coby, Cameron, Mikaela. Much loved Grandson, Uncle, Nephew and Cousin of his extended family and great mate to many. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a farewell service for Frog to be held at the Mundubbera Town Hall on 20th November 2021, commencing at 10 am, followed by a private cremation. COVID-19 regulations will apply. Hand sanitizing and social distancing are essential. All attendees will have to sign in using the QLD QR App. Frog’s funeral service will be live streamed, and those wishing to participate should email: admin@jenlesley.com.au
FOWLER, Joyce Winifred
Nee Cocking Late of Coalstoun Lakes. Passed away peacefully on Friday, 5th November 2021, aged 93 years. Beloved Wife of Norman (dec’d). Loving Mother and Mother-in-law of Lynette, Elaine and Peter, Ivan (dec’d) and Linda, Alan and Sue, Carmel. Much loved Grandma and Great-grandma of eleven grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. Cherished Sister of Reg (dec’d), Wally (dec’d), Eric, Thelma, Heather, Vic (dec’d), Don (dec’d), Gwen, Ken (dec’d) and loving Sister-in-law and Aunt of their families. A wonderful friend of many. Relatives and friends are warmly invited to attend a celebration of Joyce’s life to be held at the Coalstoun Lakes Memorial Hall, Coalstoun Lakes on Monday, 15th November 2021 commencing at 10 am, followed by interment at the Coalstoun Lakes Cemetery. “Reunited with Norman” COVID-19 restrictions apply. Hand sanitizing and social distancing are essential. All attendees must sign in using the Qld QR App. The funeral service will be live streamed, and those wishing to participate should email: admin@jenlesley.com.au
CURTIS, Joan Margaret
Curtis, Joan Margaret Late of Biggenden. Taken into God’s care on Friday, 29 October 2021, aged 80 years. Much loved Daughter of William (dec’d) and Beryl (dec’d). Beloved Sister of Alan (dec’d). Cherished Aunt and Special Friend to many. Family and Friends are warmly invited to attend a Funeral Service to Celebrate Joan’s life to be held at St John’s Anglican Church, 45 Edward Street, Biggenden, on Tuesday, 9 November 2021, commencing at 10am, followed by interment at the Degilbo Cemetery. “Forever in our Hearts” COVID-19 restrictions will apply. Hand sanitising and social distancing are essential. Attendees will need to sign in using the Qld QR app. The service will be live streamed, and those wishing to participate should email: admin@jenlesley.com.au
WHELAN, Colleen Elizabeth
Known as “Col” and “Aunty Col” Late of Mundubbera. Passed away peacefully on Saturday, 30th October 2021, aged 77 years. Much loved Sister and Sister-in-law of Denise and David (dec’d) and Dick (dec’d), Pat (dec’d) and Marion, Danny (dec’d) and Faye, Maree and Brian, Kathy and Colin. Loving Aunt of John, Patricia, Jan, Sharon, Peter, Christine, Scott, Blaine, Kathy, Andy and Matt, Jud and Lisa, Shan and Kev, Michelle, Sandra, Michael, David, Adrian, Belinda, Fiona, Janelle. Cherished Great-Aunt of her nieces and nephews, with some seeing her as their special Grandma. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Requiem Mass for Colleen to be held at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Mundubbera, on Friday, 5th November 2021, commencing at 1.00 pm, followed by interment in the Mundubbera Monumental Cemetery. “Forever in our hearts” COVID-19 restrictions will apply. Hand sanitizing and social distancing are essential. Attendees will need to sign in using the Qld QR app. The service will be live streamed, and those wishing to participate should email: admin@jenlesley.com.au
ENDRES, John
Endres, John Known as “Jack”. Late of Mundubbera. Passed away peacefully on Monday, 25 October 2021, aged 93 years. Devoted Husband of Dora (dec’d). Much loved Father and Father-in-law of John and Margaret, Trevor and Gail. Beloved Poppy of Angel, P.J., Lyle, Ryan and to his Great-great Grandchildren. Loving Uncle to his extended family. Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend a Celebration of Jack’s life to be held at the Graveside, Mundubbera Lawn Cemetery on Friday, 5 November 2021, commencing at 10am. “Reunited with Dora” COVID-19 restrictions apply. Hand sanitizing and social distancing is essential. The service will be live streamed and those wishing to participate should email: admin@jenlesley.com.au
CROSS, Albert Fletcher
Known as “Alby” Late of Biggenden, formerly of Ellesmere. Passed away peacefully on Thursday, 21st October 2021, aged 105 years 4 months. Loving Husband of Jean (dec’d). Much loved Father and Father-in-law of Joyce and Bevan, Peter and Elaine, Valerie and Allen (dec’d), Ronald and Maragret, Keith, Carmel and Greg. Adored Pop Pop of his Grandchildren, Great-grandchildren and Great-great-grandchild. Beloved Brother of Andy (dec’d), Neil (dec’d), Jim (dec’d), Reg (dec’d), George, Pat (dec’d), Charlie (dec’d), Margaret. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a celebration of Alby’s life to be held at the Biggenden Memorial Hall on Friday, 29th October 2021, commencing at 10 am, followed by interment at the Degilbo Cemetery. “Reunited with Jean” In lieu of flowers, donations to the Biggenden Hospital Auxiliary would be appreciated. Envelopes available at the service. COVID-19 restrictions apply. Hand sanitizing and social distancing is essential. All attendees will be required to sign in using the Check In Qld app. The service will be live streamed and those wishing to participate should email: admin@jenlesley.com.au
WYETH, RAYMOND CLIFFORD
Known as “Ray”. Aged 65 years. Late of Maryborough. Tragically taken on Monday 11th October, 2021 while at his workplace in an ambulance at Stanwell, Central Queensland. Ray was the much loved Husband of Jennie (nee Nagel), loving Father to Tim, and Grandfather of Reuben. Of recent times Ray and Jennie also welcomed Janelle, along with children Elijah, Kasey and Poppi as much loved grandies.Ray was the Son of Cliff and Beryl (both deceased), Sister to Cheryl, Brother-in-law to Chris and Terry, Richard and Leslie, Dan and Mel, Paula and Darryl, Rebecca and Ken, and Ben. Loved Uncle of their children. Ray was deeply loved as a healer, carer, mentor and nurturer. A funeral service celebrating Ray’s life will be held at The Brolga Theatre, 5 Walker Street, Maryborough, on Wednesday, 27th October 2021, commencing at 10 am (sharp). Persons wishing to attend Ray’s Funeral are required to book a ticket online via the event link https://brolgat.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/16609 or contact The Brolga Theatre Box Office on 41 22 6060, Monday – Friday, 8.30 am – 4.00 pm, and book a seat. Please note: Attendance at the celebration of Ray’s life will be a Ticketed Event and the only way you can attend is by booking a ticket online via the above event link or contacting The Brolga Theatre Box Office. Due to the Evacuation and Fire Safety Policy, no prams can be taken into the Auditorium. Please notify the Booking Office when initially making your booking, if you or a loved one has any special seating requirements, eg. wheelchair/ restricted mobility. The Funeral Service will be livestreamed and the link for streaming should be requested direct from The Brolga Theatre. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Fred Hollow’s Foundation in memory of Ray would be appreciated by the family. Donation envelopes will be available at the service. Limited car parking is available. Please arrive early, car pool or use public transport. COVID-19 regulations will apply. Hand sanitising and social distancing are essential. All attendees will be required to sign in using the Check-in QLD app.
BARBELER, Timothy John
Known as “Tim” Late of “Benwattie”, Ginoondan, formerly of Tinana, Maryborough. Passed away peacefully on Saturday, 16th October 2021, aged 88 years. Adored Husband of Judy and his late first Wife, Heather (dec’d). Much loved Father and Father-in-law of Shane, Tony and Deb, and Loving Step-Father of David, Vicki, Tony and their families. Precious Poppy of Peta, Jackson, Madison, Nate, Charlee, and Great-Grandfather of Alyce, Kasey and Axel. Cherished Brother and Brother-in-law of Donna and Ken (dec’d), Bonnie (dec’d), Tom (dec’d), Joe and Pat (dec’d). Loving Uncle of his family. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Requiem Mass to celebrate Tim’s life to be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Gayndah, on Saturday, 23rd October 2021, commencing at 10 am, followed by interment in the Gayndah Lawn Cemetery. COVID-19 regulations apply. Social distancing and hand sanitising is essential. All attendees will need to sign in using the Qld check-in app. The service will be livestreamed and anyone wishing to participate will need to email: admin@jenlesley.com.au