Aslan Shand
Mullumbimby and the Byron Shire recently lost a great community stalwart with the passing of Elizabeth Ann Watts in the early hours of Friday March 10.
Known far and wide for her unwavering commitment to both her family and her community, Liz Watts gave to those around her throughout her life. Last year she received the award for the Volunteer of the Year 2016 at the Byron Shire Australia Day awards recognising her involvement in community groups and fundraising efforts.
Liz was a life member of the Mullumbimby Swimming Club, been involved with the Chincogan Fiesta and had been involved in Meals on Wheels for 30 years.
Liz and her husband Trevor were also involved in extensive fundraising for the Brunswick – Mullumbimby Lions Club as well as volunteering for the driver reviver program based in Yelgun for ten years.
Working to help children with disabilities in the local area Liz and Trevor, through the charity Variety, were instrumental in fundraising for both Mullumbimby Primary School and towards the purchase of the Variety Club bus by the life-skills unit at Mullumbimby High School.
She also enjoyed going on several wild rides with Trevor and the van for two charity bashes in 2012 and 2013.
Born in Murwillumbah, Liz grew up on a dairy farm in north Tumbulgum.
In 1967 her friend persuaded her to come down to Ewingsdale Hall to attend a Junior Farmers dance and it was here that she and Trevor met.
The wedding bells rang on October 4, 1969 and they enjoyed a wonderful 48 years together.
Her youngest daughter Dianah said, ‘I don’t think Mum realised how loved and appreciated she was.’
As for the wonderful funeral held at the Mullumbimby Anglican Church on 15 March, she said, ‘The church was full with around 300 people.’
Sewing was Liz’s passion and 21 years ago she started the Brunswick Valley needlework group that is still going strong.
‘Her friend from the group said it is all the little things that mum would do that they missed, that reminded them of her.’
Touching funeral
‘It was a really touching funeral and reflected Mum.’
Liz had been volunteering and running the Anglican op shop in Mullumbimby for the last ten years and worked up until a month before she died of cancer.
‘She wasn’t one to complain; there was no fuss, she just got on with things,’ continued Dianah.
Elizabeth is greatly loved and will be greatly missed by her husband Trevor and daughters Melissa, Alison and Dianah and her four grandchildren Will, Georgina, Andrew and James.
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