Estelle Muriel CLANCY

Much love to the Clancy family xxx

Happy birthday Mum. Love you forever. What an incredibly intelligent and resourceful woman. Respected by many for her good works. I really miss you. I sit here weeping tonight, tears running down my cheeks, I so wish you were here. Xxx Mim #7 just in case you e forgotten!! Lol

Agree with Mim. You and Dad have been very present' over the last month or so. The family is not the same without you two. No longer having you especially mum in the MacPherson St home, with family and friends coming and going, and spontaneous and festive catch ups. Miss you both, but find I am turning into both of you with every passing day! You would be pleased with all my pot plants and cultivating cuttings and planting bulbs. You would love my garden and my studio made mostly with reclaimed furnishings and lots of beautiful wood and also Balinese carvings. I have also been doing a lot of art which you mum, I think, would especially appreciate. I have some of your paintings around my house. And dad I have some of your old shop signs on display. You were both quite the artistes! Wish I had learned more practical skills during all that work at the shop Dad. I could really do with your upholstery and furniture mending skills! Love you both and miss you! Hope you are enjoying each other's company up there! Xo

Hi Mum,

Its been Halloween and therefore the night before all hallows and all saints day and you and dad have been very much in my heart and my head over the last week. I miss you so much and wish you were here. Family get togethers are fewer and further apart, you were the glue mum and I miss that and seeing my brothers and sisters together at various times of the year, even on a Saturday or Sunday dropping over to your place with a cinnamon bun or lemon tart or something sweet to have with a cuppa. Love you xx Mim

Gran
There are so many days when I go to pick up the phone to ask advice, to have you to listen, to just hear your voice and know I'm loved no matter what else is going on in my life.
Never does a day pass when you do not enter my thoughts, more than often when I am enjoying nature or smelling or growing herbs. You remind me to be tolerant of everyone and if I can to never make a judgement before I take the time to know the person.
Say hello to Skye from her Mum, let her know I miss her every day. I know her great grandmother is taking care of her for me.
Love you and a corner of my heart is always yours
Gabrielle Jane Clancy

Hi Granny,

I miss you so much and I would love it if you were still alive. When I heard that you had gone into heaven with God. I hope you still remember me from when you visited me at home and when I visited you in the nursing home.

I wish you were still here! Love you :(

Hi mum I've being trying to find the name of that short film a Film student made often reading the story you wrote about Thomas in Adele Horin's Relationship's column, when I came across this article.. so vintage you! Love you and yes I have felt you hovering around lately!! https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/51584644

Hi Mum.

You are sorely missed at his time and all times. There are so many things that I wished to say to to you before you left the family and joined your wider family in Christ ... many of the people of all ages that you have helped and, of course, your husband, our dad, John or Jack or "the Beached Whale" as Chris use to call him. I so wanted to share my pain as my world collapsed around me, as I lost my job, my profession and most importantly, my marriage, my family, my wife and seeing Noah each and every day. But somehow I think you saw that pain, that grief and suffering, and acknowledged it in so many ways ... your great joy at seeing Noah and his of you, and the cups of tea that he brought to you as a matter of course. You know mum, Noah has so much of you inside him ... his love of nature, his empathy, his sense of humour and love of Christmas and celebrations. And you know, Noah imagines things like you in his toast, his cheese, his bread, the sky and so on ... an elephant, a set of steps, a nose, a car, and the tricky little fellow even creatures such images by specifically biting pieces of those edible items above.

Mum, I have to tell you that my battle to save the family home is over and that my loss, grief, pain and suffering is seemingly insurmountable at present. I really tried hard to keep the home for Noah as he loved it so much. It holds so many memories for him and for me ... somehow, the most powerful and most beautiful memories remain strong in my mind no matter what challenges were encountered.

I tried to stay true to myself and to you, and the way 'you raised me up' (like that amazingly touching and moving song ... it stills pulls a lot of heart strings and tugs at my soul), and taught me to be unconditional in my love and always be there for others in their pain, their grief, their sorrow and their loss.

Mum, I failed myself, you, my family and my broader family, and I hope that one day you can forgive me as I hope God has done. I have prayed for forgiveness and sought the same. I feel like a beaten man but then I have my good days. It's funny, isn't it, how one can feel lonely, and yet have such a loving and supportive family? Funny, I spent so much of my life believing in marriage and gave it my best shot despite my obvious failures and mistakes. I was always sorry and forgiving whether right or wrong. I just could not stand to see the people I loved, especially Nadia, hurt or in pain.

I am a fool in may ways but I have always sought to have my heart in the right place.

I remember the day that you joined me in a search for a house that Nadia and I could call 'home'. You saw this house and quickly said, "take it. That's the one., Take it" You were one smart cookie and on the ball in so many ways and walks of life; no wonder so may people gravitated to you and sought your love, your friendship and your 'motherliness'. You were a wonderful mother to us, me and those in need.

I have much more to say but just need to take a break but leave you with an unfinished story I wrote many years ago and only just found a few weeks ago whilst clearing up "165". It's titled "The Christmas Mouse". I hope you like it.

"There once was a large grey-whsikered mouse. He was very old and walked with a long stick. And yet Jacob, because that was his name, had no friends. Did I hear you ask, 'why?' Well ... I'll tell you.

Jacob just sneezed when he met people - and that wasn't very often these days. He did so much want to have company, to sit in his beautiful brown chestnut seats and share a cup of tea.

But, alas, Jacob was alone.

One day, however, on a star-fileld night, he (Jacob) hobbled out of his strange rounded home. There, in front of him. almost above his wrinkled nose, was an enormous star. Jacob just stared and stared. Hours ticked by. And do you know what? The most fantastic miracle! His sneeze had gone. It did not take long for the word to get around.

Every mouse-body had gathered outside Jacob's house. Geoffrey Q. Mouse hugged Jacob and said, "with your achoo gone, I'll be able to sleep soundly. Thanks!" There was much fun and laughter. It was alter so silent - 'A Silent Night'. "My goodness", shouted Jacob, waking everybody up, "today is Christmas day! We have slept so long." White drops fell from the sky. Every mouse was busy preparing their houses and hearts for the greatest celebration of the year.

Night mum, and as I say to Noah every night, 'may the angels blew you tonight and all the days of your life' - same for dad.

Love James

Hey mum, it was pretty strange & sad to celebrate Christmas & the New Year without you.

Your traditional pray before we all tucked into the Christmas was always a reminder of how fortunate we all were to be blessed with such delicious food, the efforts of all in bringing it to our tables and the importance of remembering those not so fortunate.

Mum, you can be assured that 'the Christmas Spirit' (frequently referred to by Noah) is alive and well in Avoca Beach.

Noah took great delight and pride in creating a ladder Christmas tree - even better than mummy's he claimed - which he continues to decorate.

No day goes by without Noah turning all our Christmas lights & he loves wishing people 'a Merry Christmas'.

Okay, mum, we miss you and love you but know that while we can't see you, you are always there in so many aspects of life.

Love James, Noah & Buddy

G'day Mum!

It's a wonderfully sunny day in Avoca which I am sure you would appreciate.

Noah is doing great-guns and will challenge you as the Linguistic-Guru of NSW!

We were leaving Mosman Wharf and Noah stopped by a Lavender Bush and plucked 4 pieces off it, one-by-one, saying "one for daddy, one for mummy, one for granny, one for Buddy".

A few days ago, Noah even offered to fly an aeroplane in the sky and bring you back! You are still very much in his memory. Noah loved you so much mum and I know the feeling was likewise.

Well, until next time.

See you later!

Love James, Noah & Buddy

With great sadness the passing of a Mosman matriarch and wonderful generous
courageous woman who gave everthing she had to her endearing family children and grandchildren. She was without doubt a tremendous inspiration with her great zest for the life that god gave her. May her intelligence and love live through her daughters and sons and many grandchildren.
The Bradstreets

Dear Granny, you were the the best granny that I ever could ask for. I loved you and so did everybody that you met. You had a wonderful life and will be greatly missed. Love from Amelie, your great-granddaughter, who loves you.Good bye

Rest in Peace. you were so forgiving and patient with us all through out our teen years. A great lady and proud to say my first ever English teacher, thanks for your love and care over the years.

G'day Mum,

It's a breezy day and chilly ... you wouldn't like it. Remember your hate of thunder and lightning, and how you would cower under the steps leading up to my 'isolation ward' at "N.10".

You would like the magpies testing Buddy's patience. A couple of 'regulars' still trying to pinch my Christmas lights hanging over the Westringia at the front and build their own high-rise at Avoca Beach.

Mum, there are some days where it hurts so much that you are not around; others where I see you everywhere ... in your love of nature, exploration, travels, books, and, of course, who can forget, what incredible images you saw in the clouds ... did you really perceive Skippy changing the carburettor in Mr. hammond's Holden??? Your grandson Noah has the same love of the clouds, stars, sun and moon, as well as trees, branches and turning the latter into walking sticks.

It is your unconditional love, your love of family and all that this brings and requires, your ability to forgive, your inclusiveness and your sense of justice that I will always remember ... how you earned respect and admiration even from those whose opinions were different from your own. You had amazing vision and way of drawing people together.

I miss being able to pop over and visit you and to see the great joy and fun you had with Noah and how he lit up your face. Noah speaks of his "Ferra Shakka" granny being with the Owl (we buried), with the angels and with Jesus.

I remember our cruise to the Fijian Islands - Suva, Vila and Lautoka ... and how we travelled from one end that last island to the other in a windowless bus with the bell being a makeshift piece of string with colourful soft drink cans hanging from it. Always creative and humble. That journey taught me many lessons about life and how to approach it.

Didn't we have lots of fun in the North and South of Ireland. You were horrified when we were leaving the Lakes of Killarney or was it Donegal, and our bus met up with another one coming in the opposite direction on a windy, narrow road, coupled with a misty day, and I said 'look at the view below, mum!'

You were certainly a 'journeyman' as we made our way in Hungary, Austria and Padua, Italy. You even went to Poland on your own but weren't impressed with the railway officialdom and the post-Russian hangover that had stifled people's lives.

I just listened to a moving song called 'Stay with me tonight' and, while I hope that this is a few years off, I truly hope that this will be the case (if I can just bypass Hell or only spend a brief time in detention in Purgatory).

I can't leave you without recalling the time you organised a birthday party for me when I was about 10/11, although I was not too keen on this. I was upset and embarrassed when you brought a green apple or orange mould out of a box, placed it on the floor and told each child that they were going to be blindfolded and then had to walk over some eggs and that the child who broke the least amount would receive a special prize. Yet, it worked! It was an amazing success!

Love you mum and Noah and Buddy the same. Noah will always be available to bring you a cup of tea when you need it ... he did the day you left this world ... and I suspect he's still keeping it warm for you.

Mum, I love you, I miss you and I cry for you. You weren't sure if I'd make it into this world but I did. Thanks!

Love James ("No. 15)

I know my family would join mum in sending condolences to Josette and Mariette Maclurcan on the loss of their wonderful mother Francine. Francine was one of mums oldest and dearest friends from childhood. A warm and engaging woman. Our thoughts are with Francine's family at this time.

Mum, Estelle, was the mother of 15 children she had 33 grandchildren and 24 soon to be 25 great grandchildren.

She was the daughter of Major General Sir George Wootten, ( b.1893 - d.1970), CBE, DSO & BAR, DSO, KBE, DSO and Bar (for leadership at Tobruk). George Wootten fought at Gallipoli and the Western Front in WW1 and most theatres of war in WW2. Wootten was elevated to KBE in 1958 after a number of earlier recommendations by General Sir Thomas Blamey and other Generals.

Mum was married to John [Jack] Valentine Clancy who had Clancy's furniture and bedding shops at 48 and 54 Spit Rd as well as a factory, on what is now part of The Garrison, where he produced hand turned furniture including dining room suites and sideboards. Dad was an interior decorator, cabinetmaker, French Polisher and retailer of homewares, rugs, glassware and beautiful furniture including Parker, wonderful wallpapers and all manner of interesting utilitarian and decorative items.

The Clancy's lived in Clifford Street till the early 1990's when mum decided the house was now to big and too expensive to manage, as most of the children had gone their own ways and started their own families. Not only did she have her own children she was a foster mother to 3 others that I know and then took in another 4 or 5 struggling young ladies. Mum was guardian to Bryant Honkey Dawson who was a local, colourful and respected Mosman personality, and who came to share our family home. Bryant's dad used to own the most amazing second hand shop up near the council chambers in Military Road. Those fostered and cared for called her mum and at Christmas time they invariably turned up and are certainly considered part of the family by the immediate family. Ours was a large and expanding Christmas table room for everyone! We never knew exactly who was coming until they turned up.

Estelle Clancy was the most caring and giving women I have ever met, a women who could only see good in people, good in the world and the optimistic side of any situation. We were a poor Mosman family yet we were never worse off for it because of the love from our parents that instilled in us the spirit and good will that has always been a Clancy trait there are always people far worse off than you mum used to say. What an extraordinary woman, mother and role model she was. Love you mum xxx Andrew

Hi Granny

I apologise for not coming to see you more in your time of illness and heavily regret this now. I will never forget you and your witty humor. Every paperclip will always remind me of you as it was the most useful and most hilarious Christmas present I have ever received. I know the Grandchildren will understand this reference and the humor.. Rest in peace, stick with me through my challenges and cant wait to see you again

It is with real sadness that I heard of Mrs. Clancies' passing. I remember her as a woman of enormous kindness and patience for a young boy as I was when I know her. My sympathy goes to her family now. My prayers go to you. Rob Macken

Dearest darling mum, you will no doubt have been happy to know that my wonderful colleagues at the ACMA donated enough money to the Medecins sand Frontieres to provide urgent medical assistance such as 600 vials of measles vaccinations. xxx mim

Rest in peace Estelle. We remember you well and shared some good stories. Best wishes to all the Clancys from Kim Duffy and family.

A wonderful woman, interested in people & places, guided by her Vatican 11 faith, a fun person to be with. I loved my times with her in Australia. Rest in Perfect peace., My sympathy to her amazing family. Cousin Sr. Ann Schulte, Nigeria.

Rest in peace beautiful Grandmother. Although I did not know you as well as some, I am forever grateful that you took me in and kept me in this family.
You were and still are an inspiration.

Always the most lovely of ladies. Rest in Peace and condolences to the family

Thinking of you all, as you come to terms with the loss of your Mother, St Estelle (as Mum would call her!) Our thoughts are with you all .Love Paul & Shane Nicol

Requiescat in pace Estelle. You hold a place in the hearts of all who knew and loved you.

Rest in peace beautiful mother. The world is a sadder and duller place without your shiny spirit. You gave so much of yourself and were loved and cherished by so many.

You were a clever one and an inspiration. Not only a loving mother, but as an artist, a poet, a teacher, a playwright, a linguist, a witty conversationalist, an author, a green thumb, a philanthropist, a theologian, a world traveller, an avid recycler and a great humanitarian.

Mum was lovingly and selflessly engaged in her large extended family, her local community and church, and what she saw as her global family. She actively promoted peace and understanding between different faiths and cultures. She lived her Catholic faith in practical and genuine ways to promote goodness and kindness and care in the world.

Mum was also an avid lover of nature. She saw beauty in the most simple and often even mundane things.

She loved her garden and the birds which visited it, especially the carolling magpies, which she fed. Her magpies would cheekily stroll through her house if she did not respond to their calls quickly enough!

Mum also took great pleasure and sometimes frustration in the English language. And if she's reading this.up there in heaven, you can be sure she's found a red pen and will have made a few corrections by now!

We love you mum and know you in turn, loved us all.
Xo

In loving memory of an outstanding Mother , who touched my heart deeply amongst so many others too.
I shall always cherish her Memory. My prayers and love are with her Family. May She Rest In Peace.

Her spirit was still willing and her wit sharp but her body gave up its ghost through the relentless toil she gave without hesitation or hasty judgement in service of her family and anyone in need. She lived a simple life, however complex her studies and commitments. Mum lived unswervingly in faith of the hereafter and gave everything in prayer and example that her children would all follow her into the eternal lightness of spirit. In the darkness descending on our world through the New Order,it is not justice nor advancement but because the bright lights like hers,of morality and out-spokeness for goodness and the maintenance of traditional marriage have extinguished or been extinguished, leaving organised chaos empowered. The family asks for donations to cause, rather than flowers but if bringing flowers to express your feelings, why not a natural posy,hand-picked from your garden as perhaps might child for its mother, Mum would love that you did that for her.She was always a child of the light and simple pleasures ... ladybirds, snowdrops emerging under the hedge after a cold-snap, dragon flies hovering and sparkling after the sun-showers we once had quite often, the breeze on her face,and from us,our smile. To never see her again, however her suffering has ceased is for us a worldly loss beyond measure.