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Colleen McCullough
1937 - 2015
Colleen McCullough
1937 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1937
DIED
2015
Colleen McCullough Obituary
McCullough died Thursday in a hospital on remote Norfolk Island, HarperCollins Australia publishing director Shona Martyn said in a statement.
McCullough had continued producing books despite a string of health and eyesight problems by using dictation, Martyn said.
"Ever quick-witted and direct, we looked forward to her visits from Norfolk Island and the arrival of each new manuscript delivered in hard copy in custom-made maroon manuscript boxes inscribed with her name," Martyn said.
McCullough wrote 25 novels throughout her career. Her final book "Bittersweet" was released in 2013.
Her first novel "Tim" was published in 1974. It became a movie starring Mel Gibson, who played a young, intellectually disabled handyman who had a romance with a middle-aged woman.
Her second novel, "The Thorn Birds," published in 1977, became a U.S. television mini-series in 1983 starring Richard Chamberlain, Rachel Ward and Christopher Plummer. The Outback melodrama about a priest's struggle between church and love won four Golden Globe awards.
During the 1980s, she wrote love stories including "An Indecent Obsession" and "The Ladies of Missalonghi."
Her historical seven-novel series "Masters of Rome" was published from 1990 to 2007.
McCullough was born in the small town of Wellington in New South Wales state on June 1, 1937. The family moved to the state capital, Sydney, where she began studying at Sydney University to become a medical doctor until she discovered that she had an allergic reaction to the antiseptic soap that surgeons use to scrub.
She switched her studies to neuroscience and spent 10 years as a researcher at Yale Medical School in the United States. She established the neurophysiology department at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital.
She lived as an author in the United States and London before settling on Norfolk Island, a former British penal colony in the Pacific Ocean which became home to descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers.
In 1983 she married one of those descendants, Ric Robinson, who survives her.
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
64 Entries
roy upton
January 8, 2017
I am an 85 year old avid reader.I, when reading morgan's run also sought more information on Richard Morgan. I was stunned to discover he was a fictional character!!!
colleen is one of a diminishing group of authors I am addicted to.
Sonia Edwards
February 5, 2016
A force to contend in life and certainly in death. A woman to admire. It goes without saying the impact she had and has in this world.
July 31, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear that Colleen McCullough passed away. She is one of my favorite authors.
I just found out today, July 31st. This information was a question on "Jeopardy."
To the family, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Elaine Chestnut Zuber, Hilltop, NJ, USA
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July 29, 2015
I just finished reading "Morgan's Run", and looking up on line to see if she "Colleen McCullough" had continued the story of "Morgan and his family" and was sadden by the news of her death, she has peaked my interest in Norfolk Island and its history.. my condolences.... Rena (IL)
March 1, 2015
I met Colleen in the early seventies at a party, (where else?)when she was at the Yale Medical School. Her intervention there helped my young daughter, for which I have always been grateful. I do regret not writing later to congratulate her on her literary successes. I've read most of her books.
My deepest sympathy to her family. She was one in a million. Margaret
February 10, 2015
Colleen McCullough is and always will be highly valued. Find comfort in knowing that she brought joy and enlightenment to the lives of many. May God's love embrace the McCullough family during this difficult time.
February 5, 2015
Our sincere sympathy to the family. Just loved the Thorn Birds. She will be missed. May the family find the comfort that God gives.
February 4, 2015
My condolences during this time of sorrow.May this family take comfort in scriptural thoughts from the Bible.(2Cor.1:2-4)B.Meill
Michelle Baldwin
February 4, 2015
Loved your humour and your generosity, Thank you.
You are forever in our hearts
Wright
February 3, 2015
The literature world has lost a great author.May your fond memories of her strengthen the family, friends, colleagues, and fans. Our heartfelt condolences to all
Cheryl Bean
February 2, 2015
Prayers for all her many friends, fans and family!!
C.J.
February 1, 2015
May Jah console your hearts and heal your pain Psalm 54: 2,4; My deepest condolences to Family and friends.
Meg
February 1, 2015
Godspeed to a wonderful author.
LAR
January 31, 2015
My condolences to the Mccullough family. While her legacy is cemented in the beautiful writings she left for us; May delightful memories of Colleen the person bring perpetual joy to you until God's promises at John 6:40 are fulfilled.
Margaret Parker
January 31, 2015
I have not read any of your works but after reading all these wonderful obits, I surely will begin now. My sincere condolences to her family. M.
sue blair
January 31, 2015
On Norfolk Island atM So very sad
Joanne Leonard
January 31, 2015
I am so saddened by the loss of my favorite author! Her books touched the heart and soul. I was fortunate enough to be able to talk to her on a radio call-in show here in the U.S. after The Thornbirds was released on TV. You could always count on her books to be a wonderful read. God Bless You, Colleen; you will be missed by many!
January 31, 2015
Loved your work thankful we were able to share in your talents.
Evette
January 31, 2015
May the God of all comfort and peace be with your dear family.May Colleen fond memories stay close to your hearts.
Terrone Sterling
January 31, 2015
To The Family,
Ms. McCullough was a very educated and talented woman. "The Thorn Birds" was one of my favorites. I offer my sincere sympathy in her passing. May "the God of all comfort" console you and bring you into His care at this difficult time.
D Daley
January 31, 2015
Godspeed, dear lady. Your gift is very much appreciated. My sincere condolences to your husband.
January 31, 2015
Australia will be the poorer for the loss of this talented lady and although later in life she wrote some wonderful novels her earlier talents showed that she was very smart and versatile. This allows women of today to follow their dreams and contribute to the wealth of the world.
- Carolyn (Canberra, A.C.T., Australia)
Sydney C.
January 30, 2015
Ms. McCoullough was one of my favourite authors.The Ladies of Missalonghi is a great book, couldn't put it down. It is a must read. RIP Colleen you will live on through your books.
Susan Patton
January 30, 2015
RIP. I have enjoyed reading every book published by this gifted author. She inspired me in so many ways. I always looked forward to the next adventure with her work. The world has lost a truly talented woman.
January 30, 2015
May your memories of Colleen bring you peace.
January 30, 2015
Sad to learn of the loss of this talented writer. Her legacy is enhanced by her work. To the McCullough family, please find peace in knowing that God understands your grief and He cares-1 Pet.5:6,7.
YVONNE l
January 30, 2015
You made me love reading it was like watching a movie in my mind RIP
Julia Matson
January 30, 2015
I hope the love and sympathy sent from strangers comforts the family of this beloved complex woman whose life will continue to inspire women to achieve and not hold back from their talents.
ROSE L.
January 30, 2015
May God continue to be with the family. I have loved her books, since I was a young girl.
Patty
January 30, 2015
My sympathy to your loved ones, dear Colleen. You will be truly missed, but never forgotten.
nancy
January 30, 2015
Wonderful author, R.I.P.
January 30, 2015
You have our most heartfelt condolences. Please remember that you're not alone and that you're surrounded by people who love you and care for you.
Lena Williams
January 30, 2015
Rest in peace.
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
January 30, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
Dr. Thomas Mottershaw
January 29, 2015
She was truly a legend in the realm of literature. I enjoyed her books; especially the Thorn-Birds. We have lost a wonderful patriarch.
debbie
January 29, 2015
I was so sad to hear about her death I remember commuting to work in the late 70's and everyone was reading the thorn birds .. the Australian gone with the wind I cant tell you how much I loved it read it multiple times and loved the miniseries.. didn't realize you had written over 23 books wow I guess I have some reading to do
MARICELLA HERRMANN
January 29, 2015
RIP MY DEAR COLLEEN, I'm heartbroken to hear your perfect heart stop telling loving stories but millions will keep enjoy them. Great memories stay forever my dear friend and every time I call my daughter COLLEEN I Honor You..DEEP SYMPATHY FOR RIC. GOD BLESS YOU.
MARCCI LOS ANGELES CA.
January 29, 2015
Please accept my condolences on your loss. May our Heavenly Father comfort you and guide you to cope with the pain of your loss. Romans 15:13
January 29, 2015
My condolences to the family.
Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth. Matthew 6:9,10
January 29, 2015
RIP. Enjoyed all your books.
January 29, 2015
It is heartbreaking for someone with so much talent to leave us in death.
May you find comfort in the words at Psalms 37:9-11 which assures us that death will be no more here on earth.
Julaine Owlett
January 29, 2015
I am so sorry to learn of this lovely lady;s passing. I read the book "The Thornbirds" many years ago and watched the mini series with my Mother. Our reading world is a little less bright with this loss.
Liz Hlavaty
January 29, 2015
I am heartbroken. She was one of my favorites.
Judy Duncan
January 29, 2015
Thank you Colleen for writing "The Thorn Birds"-my all time favorite book. It took someone with a perfect heart to write the perfect story.
January 29, 2015
I will catch the entire series should Thorn Birds rerun on TV. Her fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet her in Paradise soon.
C Castillo
January 29, 2015
May God and your precious memories keep comforting you during this difficult time. My condolences for your loss. Isaiah 66:13
January 29, 2015
May the all wise God and Father of true and tender mercy grant your family a calm and firm heart
Baltimore
January 29, 2015
A very gifted author...I have enjoyed all of your books over the years...you gave your great gift to the world and we all appreciate it....Rest In Peace...your work will live on...
Vickie Coates Columbus OH
Marie Gunderman
January 29, 2015
What a true talent. I must say I truly enjoyed every one of the novels written by Colleen, She left a legacy that will be hard to match and impossible to beat, May you rest in peace, Love and blessings to her family.
Nancy Woodwell-Freedman
January 29, 2015
My prayers, thoughts & deepest condolences go out to the husband, family, friends & associates of the brilliant & wonderful Colleen McCullough. I loved her masterpiece, "The Thornbirds", both the novel and the miniseries and I watch it whenever it is rerun on t.v. The world has lost a great author, but her body of work will be her legacy for future generations of readers to enjoy. May she rest in eternal peace and may her blessed memory be a comfort to her loved ones.
January 29, 2015
Please know you have my deepest sympathy. My prayers are with you. May time and prayer be healers.
Dianna Hartman
January 29, 2015
I remembered being glued to my TV set when Thorn Birds was on in the US. May family and friends of Colleen McCullough know how much enjoyment she brought to us who know her work. I send my deepest sympathy to them.
January 29, 2015
Your books took me to another place... and I loved it there! May God bless you and your family.
Jane Dowling
January 29, 2015
Thank you for your gift of writing ~ God bless you and your loved ones.
Harry Simpson
January 29, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
B Lucas
January 29, 2015
Writing is a gift that not many people possess, the ones who can make reading a delight. When it comes to peoples minds and what comes out of them we wonder, we marvel, we cry, we embrace. To know someone who expresses themselves well is love, hate, envy, and hopefully friendship. May all your good thoughts of Colleen bring back the best of memories. My sincere condolence.
DS
January 29, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Mary Carmichael
January 29, 2015
Another great author has gone to be with God. May the grace of God be with the family at this time. Thoughts and prayers!
Scott Chamberland
January 29, 2015
Rest in Peace
G. Freeman
January 29, 2015
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Missy
January 29, 2015
My condolences to Mary's family. May god give you the strength to endure
your sorrow. My thoughts are with you.
Ann Russell
January 29, 2015
I have read the Thorn Birds numerous time and watches the VHS several times.
January 29, 2015
Loved your work thankful we were able to share in your talents.
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