KCoombs Order of Service

In Loving
Memory

Kathryn Elaine Coombs
Laid to Rest
28 November 2012

1

Order of Service

Officiating - Father Tom

Welcome.

Opening Prayers.

Prayers for the family.

Song - Just a Closer Walk With Thee.
Sung by Uncle's Lester and Barry Coombs.

Eulogy
Niece Kate Elizabeth
with Chloe, Zac and Zoe The Grandbabies
Brother Brendan Coombs and Son Luke Fraser.

Song - Whispering Hope
Sung by Nephew Buddy Coombs and Uncles
accompanied by Cousin Tracy.

Floral Tribute by the family.

Closing prayers.

Final benediction.

2

Just a Closer Walk with Thee

I am weak, but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Refrain:
Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

When my feeble life is o’er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.

3

Memories from Niece Kate Elizabeth
with Chloe, Zac and Zoe The Grandbabies

My godmother, my Aunt.

I remember a conversation we had a few years ago and I told her I would never
wear black to her funeral. But never in a million years did I think this day would
come. It was meant to be years from now that we would be gathered here to say
our goodbyes, but instead todays the day we have to say goodbye. Goodbye to a
daughter, mother, sister, partner, aunt, niece, cousin and friend.

She always wanted to call her daughter Kate Elizabeth, but she was blessed with
3 boys. So here I am today, not her daughter but her niece instead, Kate Eliza-
beth. I am who I am because of her.

She was always a wonderful aunt, not just for me but for all the nieces and neph-
ews. She always took interest in everything we did. She cared so much for us, and
now that she’s gone we will never get to tell her just how much she meant to us.

There are so many things running through my mind, I don’t know how to feel or
what to say. But I do know I don’t want to dwell on what’s happened, but to tell
you all just what a special woman she really was. I want you all to know if Kathy
was here she would be laughing with us because that’s the type of woman she
was.

She always had a cheeky comment to say about everything, yet she was so easy
to take the mickey out of. She said the most unusual things that sometimes we
just never really got. Whenever she came down to stay, she would always watch
her shows and talk the whole way through, I never really understood how she
followed the storyline.

I remember one time when she was down and she drunk all the wine and didn’t
want mum to know so she filled it back up with water. Whenever you had a con-
versation with her, she would stop half way through and change the topic, I was
always confused with what she was talking about. She would always be the life of
the party, up on the dance floor doing her daggy moves. She always joked about
Nathan and Brenton getting their swimming from her, but I can’t say I ever saw
her swim.
4

She never believed us when we told her she would wake everyone in the house up
with her snoring, but believe me when I say Aunty Kathy could really snore. Mum
and Uncle Brendy had huge laughs about her snoring on their trip out west.

Every time she would go out to eat, she would take photos of her meal and send
them to everyone; these were called her “foodie photos”. I remember she didn’t
know what “selfies” were (for those here who don’t know, they are simply photos
you take of yourself), and just recently she had become more “cool” and started
taking selfies. I was so proud.

All of these little things are what made her the woman she was. She was the most
loving and caring woman you could ever meet. She always had a smile on her face,
no matter what type of day she was having. Aunty Kathy would always be there for
all of her friends and family whenever they needed her.

I know she would do anything and everything for me. She was my other mother,
always there since day 1. She wasn’t just a caring aunt but a caring sister as well.
However, Mum remembers quite well, when she was four, the day Aunty Kathy
didn’t shut the car door properly. Mum rolled out of the car and ended up on the
gravel. Their father had to stop the car and retrieve her. I’m sure she meant well.

5

Before I say my goodbyes, I’d just like to say a few words for Letitia who can’t be
here today - she is her niece in London. Kathy was meant to be flying over to visit
her next year. Aunty Kathy checked in with Teesh more often than not, she wanted
to know everything that she was doing and how she was. Teesh came over from
London last year for Brenton’s wedding and we girls all got to have a weekend at
Bribie. Teesh is so grateful she got to do that. Teesh sends her virtual hugs she
loves you so much and she will miss you.

Aunty Kathy, you were one of the most important people in my life and its heart-
breaking to have to see you go. But I want you to know I will continue to love you
more and more each day, no matter where you are. You touched so many people’s
hearts, one of them being mine. In my heart is where you will stay. I know one day
I will see you again. Don’t worry Aunty Kathy; we will never forget you were the
Dux of the School.

She is Gone
You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left.

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of love you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her and only that she’s gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she’d want, smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

By David Harkins

6

Eulogy
Kathryn Elaine Coombs

I believe we are here to celebrate Kath’s life and to take what meaning we can from
what can only be described as someone up there getting it completely wrong.
The truth of the matter is that Kath had a time bomb ticking away in her head and
no amount of soul searching is going to come up with a satisfactory answer, it is
what it is.
But we want to focus on what was so compelling about Kath that so many people
turned up here today. Kath was born in Rockhampton on the 26th of May 1955 as
the second child to Keith and Daphne Coombs.
My earliest memory of Kath was watching her win everything at the Biloela Primary
School athletics and of her teaching me to ride a bike. I can honestly say that I do
not remember having a fight with Kath. I remember the odd fishing trip that we
shared with Dad and having to bait her hook and take her catch off the line.
My fondest memory of Kath was rushing home from school to watch “Happy Days”
and we would do our version of the jive. We got to do the jive in public at the many
Saturday night bush dances mum and dad used to take us to. I still remember it like
it was yesterday, Kath and I having the floor during the rock and roll and Mum and
Dad, Colette and Mark doing the quick step like pros – I was in awe.
Kath went to Biloela Primary School, Biloela High School and Caboolture High
School. You have already heard that she was dux of the school (that was year 10)
and, when she finished year 12, she got a Cartography Cadetship at the Department
of Lands. She duly completed her training and slipped into Public Service life with
unseemly ease.
I remember her regaling us with descriptions and photos of the parties she attend-
ed, pretty much every Friday and Saturday night. I believe it was at one of these
parties that she met Paul. Another distinct memory is of her wedding and seeing
her and Paul on the return from their honeymoon with, what was obvious to a
teenage boy, the bliss of first love written all over their faces.
Kath demonstrated that unbridled enthusiasm in everything she did and I am sure
that all her friends here would agree that it was infectious, stood her apart and was
what everyone loved about her.
Kath and Paul have three towering sons, Luke, Anthony and Mitchell. I know that,
like every parent, Kath wanted the best for her children. Then as a single parent, I
would defy anyone to achieve as much as Kath did for her sons. What little she had
was theirs and there was nothing she would not do for them.

7

They are men now and they have to make their own way and I know that all Kath
would want is for them, to be the best they can be.
I know what it is like to lose a parent. You have a choice fellas, you can look for
someone to blame and use this as an excuse as to why life was not fair for you, or
you can be the best you can be and take the opportunity to make your mum even
prouder. Your uncles and aunties are here for you, I can guarantee that.
The main influence on Kath growing up was our amazing parents. Mum is a rock,
the only person I know without a bad bone in her body. Kath’s devotion to her
sons and her willingness to give everything she had for them is just like our mum.
Kath loved you mummy and, in her own way, did everything she could for you. The
hardest thing for Bron and I was telling you about Kath’s passing. No one in the
world deserves as much pain as you have suffered.
And our dad …. not one conversation with Kath did not mention our father Keith.
There was a lot of conjecture amongst my siblings as to who was dad’s favourite. I
have a very clear memory of all of us kids sitting with dad on the stairs at King
Street in Caboolture. The discussion moved to who was dad’s favourite. We went
through everyone and dad would say, not Colette, not Kathy, not Kerry, not me, so
it must be Bronnie and dad said, “No not Bronnie, you are all my favourite.”
Kath was a lot like our father – they liked a bet, they liked the odd indulgence, they
would do anything for anyone and they loved their family. There was not a day
that went by when I would hear a pee wee (give us the whistle Aunty Pat) and did
not think of my dad, then it was my dad and Kerry, and now it will be, my dad,
Kerry and Kath.
Kath spent the last 12 years sharing her life with Ron. Ron’s poem, written for
Kath, is in the booklet. It was written when they first met but it goes to show why
she was such a good Call Centre person that her phone conversation was enough
to engender such a response. Ron, I know you feel her loss and we feel your pain.
What we all do now, should be worthy of her memory. One more thing, you had
better look after her garden or you will hear the shouting from high or be struck
down by lightening in your own back yard!
No mention of Kath’s later life would be complete without referring to her love
affair with the DJ’s of the Morning Show at 4KQ and her efforts to call up for every
contest. Usually the DJ’s would say something like, “and now we have Kathy from
Moffat Beach”.
Even to the point of impersonating her Sister and telling them it was her birthday,
for which she managed to win wonderful prizes. A bane of Ron’s existence was to
have to watch the morning show and listen to 4KQ while Kathy was at work, just in
case their name came up in the Cash Call!

8

Bronnie and I are so glad that we made the effort to take Kath and mum on a trip
down memory lane to Biloela and Emerald, where Bron and I were born, to see the
house that dad built. The whole way there we were trying to remember the ad-
dress, half an hour out Mum pipes up and says “Kurt Street”. Great relief to find
that after driving all that way, the house is still there and it looks just the way dad
had built it.
The last time I saw Kath was at Bronnie’s 50th down on the Gold Coast. I sat be-
tween my two girls and we had a ball.
Kathy and Bron both cry at the drop of a hat and Kathy used to threaten to cry if I
was having too much fun at her expense. Needless to say, she only cried when I
said something nice!
Before I hand over to Luke, I just want to thank everyone for their kind thoughts,
wonderful words and deeds and I hope that what everyone wanted to say is in here
somewhere. May you find peace Kath and may everyone here touched by her, find
comfort in the knowledge that the flame that burns shortest burns brightest.
We have been privileged to know and love you Kath.

9

A Wonderful Soul
I remember thinking briefly one day what this day would be like. I brushed it off
thinking that “by then I will be old and grey with a wealth of life experience to help
me understand it”. Mum never had a chance to go grey and I definitely struggle to
understand it.
We are here together today to celebrate the sparkling life of a simply wonderful
lady. A glowing, positive personality that always gave, expected little in return, and
loved unconditionally. Without doubt the most selfless individual I have ever
known, and by far the most lovable.
As I look around here today I am reminded of the strong network of great people
that have surrounded us growing up. I would like to sincerely thank each of you for
your support through this difficult time and for taking part today. Sincerest thanks
to Aunty Bronnie and Uncle Brendy. Without you both we’d be truly lost. We are
blessed to be surrounded by such great people.
Katie and Uncle Brendy have touched on some special moments of mums life, and I
would like to try to add to this just a little. From a brother’s perspective to that of a
son’s.
Life as a single parent is one of the greatest challenges life will present. Throw three
inquisitive, stubborn and yet crafty boys into this and what you have is a hectic roll-
er coaster ride that eventually becomes known as everyday life. I'm not kidding,
mum had her work cut out for her and as far as we're concerned, deserves a medal.
When I look back I think of a life dedicated to family. Whether it was the countless
number of Km’s driving us around the country side for sport when we were young-
er, or the hours baking her famous chocolate cakes and anzacs for anyone and eve-
ryone to enjoy. Mum was our rock, the one that we would always depend upon and
who was always there for us, without hesitation.
Mum was a talented person. I know this not only from what I’ve witnessed over the
years but also because mum would kindly tell us herself every opportunity she had.
Growing up, whenever my brothers or I (or now my kids for that matter) would do
well at sport or ace a test, we could bank on two things - mums sincere congratula-
tions followed shortly by an equally sincere "you got that from me you know, I was
an athlete and I was dux of the school". You know I say this a little tongue in cheek
but the reality is we know our mum was a fabulous person, with strength and de-
termination that at times left us wondering what her secret was.
As kids we were witness to so many good friendships as mum navigated her way
through a range of jobs before settling into her most recent for just over ten years.
For the first time in her working career mum had begun talking about long service
leave.
10

This signals to me that mum had finally found a career that was a good fit. When I
look back at this now I realise why. Mum worked in a call centre for an insurance
company as most of you would know. This meant she got to talk to people for a
living, and we know she was good at that. Such an infectious and vibrant personali-
ty it was no wonder mum had settled in well.
I have never met anyone that could take so much pleasure from the smallest of
things in life. Mum was such a proud person especially when it came to two things,
her garden of orchids, and her grandchildren. The grandkids helping in her garden
was mums idea of a great time. We received an sms from mum a couple of weeks
ago (I suspect she may have sent to many) with a picture of an orchid of mums that
had just flowered.
With it came a short note…. Clever aren’t I …..
not a question but a statement. This was no
doubt rhetorical but I responded in agreement
none the less.
Going on fifteen years ago I brought my ‘wife to
be’ to Bribie to meet mum. Mum and Kinga hit
it off from day one. Mum would then proceed
to sing her old 70’s songs as loud as she could
in the car everywhere we went. I think with no
intent to embarrass us, but simply because she
would take any opportunity to show off her lovely voice.
Ten years ago, on mums own birthday, as nature would have it, the first of three
grandchildren were born. A heck of a coincidence and I can remember being so
eager to tell mum the news, a granddaughter for her birthday. Mum was chuffed.
Mum always used to say “I’m too young to be a grandma” but without doubt these
little ones were the pride of her life. Mum would always ask how her babies were
(which included Kinga) and I am grateful that each of the kids spoke to their Grand-
ma last Tuesday night, the eve of her passing.
I could hear them yabbering away and the occasional laugh down the line from
mum. I know mum went to sleep very happy on her last night here with us.
Ant and Mitch, my words today are your words. We have leant on mum all of these
years. We must now lean on each other and stand tall in honour of her. Little do
we realise sometimes, just how much we learned from mum over the years but we
have each other to remind us.
Mum. You were taken from us far too early, but you have gone to a better place.
We will never forget you, and we will do you proud.
We love you mum.

11

We were blessed to have a
mum like you.
The most kind, caring and
loving person we will ever
know.
The sunshine in our day, our
rock on a hard day.
We will miss you more than
you will ever know.
Love you so much mum.

12

The Beloved Grandbabies

13

"Whispering Hope"
Soft as the voice of an angel
Breathing a lesson unheard
Hope with a gentle persuasion
Whispers a comforting word.

Wait, till the darkness is over
Wait, till the tempest is done
Hope, for the sunshine tomorrow
After the darkness is gone.

Whispering hope,
Oh how welcome Thy voice
Making my heart
Any sorrow rejoice.

If in the dusk of the twilight
Dimmed be the region afar
Will not the deepening darkness
Brightin' the glittering star.

Then when the night is upon us
Why should the heart sink away
When the dark midnight is over
Watch for the breaking of day.

Whispering hope,
Oh how welcome Thy voice
Making my heart
Any sorrow rejoice...

14

Sister
You’re a sister we can depend on
In the times we need you most,
You’re someone we can laugh with
and share an inside joke.
You’re a sister to be proud of
For all the wonderful things you’ve done,
You’re a beautiful person inside and out –
It’s with you that we have the most fun.
And in the times when we need advice
You have the loudest voice
You may be our sister by chance
But you’re our best friend by choice.

18

“Yes Kath, you
were right, my
shirt looks
better on you.”

19

Kathy’s Spirit
This morning
On a May Mother’s Day
From the top of lighthouse hill
Scrolling out downhill an azure sea
Tranquility overcoming me.

Kathy’s spirit
Is with me today
A voice without a face
A voice I know from somewhere
Further than just a call away.

Her laughter so contagious
No evidence of times apart
Through her laughter I glimpse an aura
The aura of a loving heart.

Mischievous friends are rampant
To promote an unlikely meeting
Has an invisible hand opened a window
Life’s crossroads are so rare and fleeting.

But we’re not privy to see
The journey that might be
Then why is my spirit soaring
On this Mother’s Day?

RJL 14/05/00

These verses I penned when I first met Kath. She cried when she read them.
I was right, I had found a loving heart and our loving partnership blossomed
and grew stronger over the twelve years we spent together. It was too
short.
Words cannot express how much I will miss my darling Kathryn.
Goodbye my sweetheart. You will live in my heart forever.
Ron 22/11/12

20

Vale Kathy

I first met Kathy in the lead-up to her marriage to my brother Paul in Janu-
ary 1978, and I was best man at their wedding. I grew up in a family of six
boys (me being the youngest by 11 hours!), so Kathy became my first real
“sister” – strictly “sister-in-law”, but we bonded immediately as brother and
sister; and although their marriage was to last less than ten years, we re-
mained close until her untimely death on Wednesday, 21 st November, 2012.
Kathy had a big, caring heart – and some of my most fond memories are of
going to her, Paul’s (and their growing little family’s) place at Morayfield for
dinner. She and Paul would prepare a great roast on the Weber, and Kathy
would make my favourite dessert, caramel syrup pudding. We’d then play
silly games for hours, and there was lots of laughter.
Their marriage produced my only nephews - three beautiful boys, who I
have watched grow up into fine young men. Kathy loved her boys, as well as
her extended family – her mum and dad, her sister ‘s Colette and Bronwyn
and brothers Kerry and Brendan; as well as her “acquired” family, the
Frasers. This nurturing quality continued on into the next generation with
Luke and Kinga’s children, her grand-children Chloe, Zacary and Zoe. She
also had many friends - attracted to her by her friendly, bubbly, easy going
nature.
More recently, Kathy also found happiness with her soul-mate Ron, and
they have shared their lives for the past dozen or so years. Being a dedicat-
ed mother to her boys, while at the same time also filling the role of a loving
partner to Ron proved a bit of a juggling act, but they managed to “ride the
waves”, and undoubtedly spent many happy times together.
Kathy’s departure from this mortal world was a sudden a tragic loss to every
-one who loved her, and she cannot be replaced. But we can draw comfort
from the fact that she did not suffer, and her love will continue on through
her boys and her cherished grand-children. They say that “only the good die
young”, and Kathy’s untimely death at such a young age is ample testimony
to that. May she rest in peace.
Your loving brother-in-law,
Michael (or as Kathy would fondly call me, “Mickey Drippin”).

22

To Those I Love and Those Who Loved Me...

When I am gone, release me, let me go...
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourselves to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.
I gave you my love. You can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it's time I travelled on alone.
So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must.
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a while that we must part.
So bless the memories that lie within your heart.
I won't be far away, for life goes on.
So if you need me call and I will come.
Though you can't see me or touch me, I'll be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear,
All of my love around you soft and clear.
And when you must come this way alone...
I'll greet you with a smile and "Welcome Home."

Author Unknown

This booklet was put together by the loving hands of Cheryl Smith.
A close and dear friend of Bronnie’s.

23

To all my family and
friends, I just wanted to
tell you that I love you
because yesterday is
gone, today’s almost over
and tomorrow isn’t
promised ….

Sentiments on Kathy’s phone

Some People Make a Difference

Some people make a difference
Just by being who they are,
Their inner light shines bright
And touches lives
Both near and far,
And even when they’re gone,
They still forever play a part
In the priceless moments,
That are treasured in the heart.

by Emily Matthews

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