“Bet’s passing marks the end of an era for your family. It is a profound transition, as Nev and Bet have been the centre around which your lives have revolved for so long. The absence of Bet signals the beginning of a new chapter for all of you. May you carry forward Nev and Bet’s legacy of fostering a close and loving family.

Nev, may you feel the enduring love of Bet and the unwavering support of your family as you grieve the loss of your cherished companion and lifelong friend.

As we reflected last week, life on the farm and in the bush teaches us about the rhythm of the seasons—an acceptance that everything has its time. This ceremony today honours one of life’s inevitable cycles, a poignant reminder of the beauty and impermanence of existence.

For the past few years, as Bet’s dementia increased, the family has faced a journey of gradual loss and profound grief. Watching her world change and her connection to the present fade has been an emotional challenge, filled with both sorrow and moments of tenderness.

In her last days, Bet believed she would see Nev again after she died and on one of his last visits, she held his gaze and squeezed his hands. He said, ‘I love you.’ and as he left the room she said softly, ‘I love you too Poppy.’ Bet died peacefully in her bed at Coffs Harbour Grange. Despite the difficulties, Bet was cared for and loved deeply right to the end by Nev and her boys and their families.”

Poems

Bet’s family chose two poems for her funeral ceremony:

My Mothers Garden — Author Unknown

My Mother kept a garden.
A garden of the heart;
She planted all the good things,
That gave my life its start.

She turned me to the sunshine,
And encouraged me to dream:
Fostering and nurturing
The seeds of self-esteem.

And when the winds and rains came,
She protected me enough;
But not too much, she knew I’d need
To stand up strong and tough.

Her constant good example,
Always taught me right from wrong;
Markers for my pathway
To last my whole life long.

I am my Mother’s garden,
I am her legacy.
And I hope today she feels the love,
Reflected back from me

Remember Me—Margaret Mead

To the living, I am gone.
To the sorrowful, I will never return.
To the angry, I was cheated,
But to the happy, I am at peace,
And to the faithful, I have never left.
I cannot be seen, but I can be heard.
So as you stand upon a shore, gazing at a beautiful sea – remember me.
As you look in awe at a mighty forest and its grand majesty – remember me.
As you look upon a flower and admire its simplicity – remember me.
Remember me in your heart, your thoughts, your memories of the times we loved,
the times we cried, the times we fought, the times we laughed.
For if you always think of me, I will never be gone.