Born: 11 May 1944
Died: 2 September 2005
JEAN Egeberg’s life was marked by her caring nature, her love of family and a quiet dignity, earning her the respect and admiration of those around her.
The wife of former Healesville shire councillor and shire president Athol Egeberg, Jean was the ‘woman behind the man’, a constant and reliable support in his work for the community.
She was a loving mother to David, Athol Junior and Kurl now all young men who she was immensely proud of and a treasured grandmother to Brodie and Joshua.
Jean died on 2 September 2005 after a long illness. At her service, celebrant Diane Storey spoke of a woman who lived quietly and who had many qualities and gifts.
“Jeanette Ann Egeberg, known as Jean, was born in Sydney on 11 May 1944, one of three children born to Dorothy and Edmund Fratus,” Ms Storey said.
Jean trained as a nurse at Berrima District Hospital and was appointed matron.
Keenly committed to social justice and aware of the wider community beyond tending to the sick in the public health system, Jean enlisted in the Army Nursing Corp, and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.
Jean moved to Healesville with David about 1978 and some time later she met Athol.
The couple was married in June 1980.
Athol Junior and Kurl were born and, in family life, Jean found that which Irish philosopher John O’Donohue called “a nest for her belonging”.
Jean was happiest when Athol and her sons were happy and safe.
She worked at Healesville Hospital and later at the Healesville District Private Nursing Home, which became a significant part of her life for 20 years.
Jean was born to nurture, dedicated and quietly proud of the profession in which she excelled.
Quiet, unassuming, gentle and compassionate, she touched the hearts of the residents she treated with utmost respect, perception and affection, endearing her to people through two decades of professional service.
For relaxation Jean gardened and cooked.
She was an excellent cook who, according to her sons, might well have been more adventurous, save Athol’s preference for ‘plain’ food.
Intelligent and well read, in recent years Jean also learnt to play the piano.
Jean’s love of nature was observed through the use of flowers from her own garden for her service.
An RSL service concluded the tribute and The Last Post was played at the grave side.
Jean Egeberg will be greatly missed by her family, friends and colleagues.
