A much-loved Noosa identity, Maureen Farrington, died on January 31 after a long brave battle with cancer.
Maureen’s life was one of service, motivated by a loving concern for those in need – people she earned the right to call friends.
It was in recognition of that service that more than 120 people gathered to farewell Maureen at Our Lady of the Perpetual Succour, Catholic Church in Tewantin last Tuesday. The funeral was also live-streamed.
Maureen’s nephew, Andrew Farrington, gave an insight into Maureen’s amazing career, including a spell working in Washington and Vienna. Maureen had a wonderful sense of humour and it seems Andrew shared that trait as he finished his eulogy by saying Maureen’s father, Jack, a keen cricketer, would have said. “Kiddo, that was a heck of an innings.”
A long-standing member of the Noosa Tewantin St Vincent de Paul Society, Maureen brought a wealth of experience to the Vinnies work of helping those in need. She began her working life with the New South Wales police, and later worked for 23 years as an immigration officer for Canada, based in Sydney. However, it was Maureen’s compassion and understanding of the poor, marginalised, and disadvantaged that made her a great fit as a Vincentian.
In 2018, with help from Noosa Council, and working with government agencies and medical practitioners, Maureen opened the Community Service Hub at Tait-Duke Cottage in Tewantin. The next year she helped set up the Vinnies pizza nights. Maureen followed this with Vinnies community meals on Wednesday nights, again with council help.
Dr Geoff Lee, president of the local St Vincent de Paul Society branch said “Until her disease limited her, Maureen was an active Vincentian earning a Life Membership. She embodied the spirit of the society showing deep compassion and bringing hope, help, friendship and assistance to those needing it in the community.
“She referred to those she helped as friends reaching out to many over a period of time. Her legacy continues to inspire us.”
Maureen was presented by diocesan president, Beryl Rowan, with a life membership of the St Vincent de Paul Society at a luncheon to celebrate her 86th birthday last year.
Helping others came naturally to Maureen. Service was in her blood. Maureen’s father was a police officer, and her mother was involved with the Red Cross for 50 years. Maureen joined the Red Cross when she retired 23 years ago.
Maureen and Red Cross were a perfect match according to president of the Tewantin Noosa branch of the Red Cross, Valerie Hunnam.
“She had an abundance of genuine care and compassion for the well-being of people doing it tough and was passionate about the reward of volunteering. Seeing a need in the community, she’d gather people together and inspire them into creating opportunities that helped many folk change their lives.
“She was a champion of the role of Red Cross branches in their local communities and spent many years on the Queensland Divisional Board supporting and encouraging them and providing training opportunities to members.
“Locally she was a humble, treasured humanitarian who has left a wonderful legacy with our branch which we will always cherish,” Valerie added.
Maureen achieved Australia Red Cross’ top award of Life Membership in 2017.
She is survived by three nieces and two nephews.
Maureen Farrington
Born: Narrandera NSW June 12 1937
Died: Caloundra Qld January 31 2024
