So, to help alleviate any anxiety in the future, Muswellbrook Carelink Inc is inviting residents to attend a Grief Support Afternoon with Jan Walmsley at the Muswellbrook Community Health conference room on Saturday, July 30, from 1pm.

“This seminar will focus on both the needs of the person grieving as well as many and varied feelings and reactions that they, and their loved ones, experience,” Marie Wild said.

“Jan makes a yearly visit to Muswellbrook at the invitation of Carelink to conduct forums.

“She always comments on the warm welcome she receives over the 15 years that she’s made the journey from her Lake Macquarie home.

“‘There is something about returning to Muswellbrook that feels a bit like coming home and I know it’s about the people there’ Jan has often said.

“We’re hoping to get a good turn-up on Saturday.

“Afternoon tea will also be provided on the day.”

Now, almost fully-retired, Mrs Walmsley has spent much of her life teaching.

At first in child education and later moving to adult education in TAFE colleges.

Her subject area of Loss and Grief and Working With Older People has seen her give many community workshops over the years, as well becoming the education coordinator at Murray’s Funeral Home where she presents seminars to welfare, health and volunteer groups.

She also worked and helped in the care of people living with HIV/aids at McKillop House.

Mrs Walmsley was part of the team, which established the Wig Library at the old Mater Hospital where she provided support for nearly two decades.

She was a founding member of the Westlakes Palliative Care Team and coordinated this group for three years where support of a practical and emotional nature is given to those facing life-threatening illnesses in her home region.

As a community representative, Mrs Walmsley was an interviewer at the John Hunter Hospital for prospective medical students.

She has been a recipient of numerous plaudits – some being the NBN and 2KO community service award and she was named Lake Macquarie Citizen of the Year in the 2005 Australia Day Awards.