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Margaret Whitlam
1919 - 2012
Margaret Whitlam
1919 - 2012
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1919
DIED
2012
Margaret Whitlam Obituary
113 Entries
A. Fitzgerald
May 25, 2012
May your journey be smooth, I personally want to thank you for been a beautiful lady, with manners and beauty. R.I.P.
Shane Pacholli
April 2, 2012
one grand old lady, Margaret you will be sadly missed by all, my condolences to Gough and family, may you rest in peace our dearest lady, rest in peace.
Sally Hayes
March 25, 2012
Vale Margaret Whitlam an inspiration too all of us. A tower of strength, a wealth of knowledge and a leader for all women I found her to be as I was growing up. My condolences to Gough and the family.
cheryl gardiner
March 24, 2012
Vale Mrs Whitlam
An inspiration to us all.
How you can show support
noreen wood
March 23, 2012
rest in peace a life well lived
Tarn
March 22, 2012
A life well lived and a pioneer of her era.
Mollie Thomas
March 21, 2012
Margaret Whitlam, an extraordinary woman with a wonderful sense of humour. RIP
March 21, 2012
I remember sitting in a restaurant where Margaret was lunching with a group of ladies - her stature and welcome to the ladies at the lunch made an enormous impression on me as a young girl - her legacy is that she was not afraid as a woman to think out loud and speak her mind and she did so with respect and gusto that made her truly unique. Dear Margaret - your light will burn forever in the hearts and minds of women in Australia and throughout the world - Christine, Sydney NSW
maureen
March 20, 2012
Good bye Margaret. you served this country well
Jo Rye
March 20, 2012
Vale Margaret Whitlam. She was a great role model, to show us all that womanhood can achieve. We will miss her.
Pauline/Ray James
March 20, 2012
Remembering your great love story today and always.
Kathleen Norris
March 20, 2012
Margaret was, more than perhaps anyone else, the reason my husband Patrick Veitch and I moved to Australia. On his first visit he fell madly in love with her and remained so throughout his time at The Australian Opera and the rest of his life. When I came back with our daughters Alexandra and Francesca, Margaret was the first to offer a hug, lunch and a good drink. She and Gough were great friends to us always. God be good to you Margaret. Safe home.
Vincent & Moira
March 20, 2012
Margaret Whitlam a truly great lady who did her country proud. What a team Gough and Margaret made in political and private life, great role models to all Australians.
RIP Margaret and our condolences to the Whitlam Family.
Florence George
March 19, 2012
You were always joyful. I was fortunate to have met you & Gough while I worked at ISP. You are my inspiration. Merci.
Peter Curtis
March 19, 2012
The passing of Margaret Whitlam is of course a matter of profound sadness for the Whitlam family, especially for her devoted husband Gough. Whatever one thought of the Whitlam government, the loving fidelity of Gough and Margarets' near seventy year marriage stands as a beacon to this generation of the beauty of a faithful married life. May her loved ones be comforted during their time of loss.
Patrick
March 19, 2012
You stand tall for us All What light from beneath the bushell breaks. This old heart breaks at the very thought. These feet never wil fill you shoes. I will walk in your footsteps across the southern sky.
March 19, 2012
What a remarkable woman - a leader of her time and she set the benchmark for all women to follow. Gracious is the word that comes to my mind to describe her. Condolences to the Whitlam family.
Christine Hayward
March 19, 2012
Switched on, massively curious about everyone and everything, witty and a rare ability to pay the greatest compliment of real attention to whoever she was with. My lunches and other contact with her was a highlight. What a woman. Gough, Stephen, Catherine, Anthony and Nick, their partners and children - thank you for sharing her with the rest of us.
Dave McKenna
March 19, 2012
A great inspirational Australian woman. And what a great partnership.
Anne Wilson
March 19, 2012
Thank you Margaret, Your speech at the ALP National Conference when you became a Life Member inspired my then 22 year old daughter. Since then she has completed a uni degree and found a career she finds interesting, purposeful and satisfying.
Julie Vomero
March 19, 2012
A truly inspirational human being. If this remarkable woman's impact on me was also felt by so many others.., well, what a fine legacy she has left behind. She must have had such a wonderful sense of self to have been able to conduct her life with so much brilliance. I shall have that glass of champagne & say "onwards"
elizabeth hobbs
March 19, 2012
vale margaret a woman for all women thank you for giving .. to gough my heart goes out to you in loss - such loss - we are better as a country for having margaret as 1 st lady in aust. her time was used wisely you will be missed.
bob white
March 18, 2012
a most gracious and infectious lady who i met a few times and thoroughly enjoyed her company.
Julie Vomero
March 18, 2012
A truly inspirational human being. If this remarkable woman's impact on me was also felt by so many others.., well, what a fine legacy she has left behind. She must have had such a wonderful sense of self to have been able to conduct her life with so much brilliance. I shall have that glass of champagne & say "onwards"
Susan
March 18, 2012
Regardless of political affiliations, I always admired Mrs Whitlam deeply for her compassion, empathy, intellect, honesty and wit. Vale Margaret Whitlam, you will be acknowledged in history as being as important to Australia as political leaders.
Irene Hordon
March 18, 2012
RIP Margaret, gone, but you will NEVER be forgotten by women of your country.
My condolences to all your family,you were a great lady.
Julie Featherstone
March 18, 2012
Deepest sympathy to Gough and family on the lose of your of your beloved wife and mother.....a brilliant Australian women.
Wayne Breese
March 18, 2012
Proud to have had Margaret Whitlam as someone who shaped this country!
Ann Armstrong
March 18, 2012
Thank you Mrs Whitlam. Millions of Australian women like me have been able to fulfil our destinies because of the way you and your husband changed Australian society. Your dignified and caring ways will be sadly missed. Sincere condolences to your family.
Gavan Knox
March 18, 2012
RIP Mrs Whitlam...You served Australia well and are a magnificent role model for all young Australian Girls
Carolyn Luhr
March 18, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to your family. She was a rock for Gough and her family
Annie Brechin
March 18, 2012
Margaret travelled extensively with her husband, and engaged 'ordinary' people with the same intelligence, compassion and genuine interest she extended to 'influential' people. I saw first hand her positive effect on young uni students. We will all suffer loss because she is no longer in this world. Prayers and condolences to the family. Gough, neither of you will ever be forgotten. You both did so much for good, especially for the students who were not 'upper class'.
pat tennant
March 18, 2012
a life very well lived
Anthea Aslanides
March 18, 2012
Margaret Whitlam was inspirational as President of Cabramatta Swimming Club in the 1950s.
She taught me about the power of an idea and how to achieve it; and she contributed so much to Australian society on a rare personal level.
Condolences to the family.
Janet Henwood
March 18, 2012
Such a kind gentle lady who will always be remembered for her strength and kindness
Barry O'Callaghan
March 18, 2012
Whoever came up with the idea of an Australian "National Treasure" must have lost his way, because if ever we had a National Treasure, it was you...the beautiful, gracious and charming wind beneath Gough's wings.
Your memory, smile and twinkling eyes will live on. My respects to your family.
Margaret
March 18, 2012
Vale
Margaret Whitlam, a woman and a lady for the people of all ages.
A most gracious intelligent woman whom we all admired and respected.
Del Cosson
March 18, 2012
A wonderful love story of two individuals dedicated to each other and to the personal fulfillment of their individual lives. A rarity in modern life, bliss to observe from afar.
Jean Stewart
March 18, 2012
Sorry to hear of your passing.You are a much respected and admired person. I am glad we can count you as one of our own Aussie women.
Fiona
March 18, 2012
Vale Margaret Whitlam.
The loss is almost unbearable.
In an often dull world you were a shining beacon. May your memory remain incandescent.
Venkat Dr. A V Amudhan
March 18, 2012
Venkat Dr.Amudhan
March 18, 2012
It is a great void to fill. George Whitlam was one of the Greatest Prime Ministers of Australia. He was very friendly to India and in a way India benefited greatly during his period as Prime Minister of Australia. May her soul rest in peace.
March 18, 2012
An inspirational woman, you will be remembered.
Pauline and Ray James
March 18, 2012
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Priscilla Wagensveld
March 18, 2012
A beautiful human being,you have earned your rest Margaret Whitlam. May you rest in peace.
Priscilla Wagensveld
March 18, 2012
You were a beautiful human being, you have earned your rest.Rest in Peace.
Sally Vindedzis
March 18, 2012
A strong and admirable woman. Go well and in peace.
Pauline /Ray James
March 17, 2012
A Reminiscence
YES, thou art gone! and never more
Thy sunny smile shall gladden me;
But I may pass the old church door,
And pace the floor that covers thee.
May stand upon the cold, damp stone,
And think that, frozen, lies below
The lightest heart that I have known,
The kindest I shall ever know.
Yet, though I cannot see thee more,
'Tis still a comfort to have seen;
And though thy transient life is o'er,
'Tis sweet to think that thou hast been;
To think a soul so near divine,
Within a form so angel fair,
United to a heart like thine,
Has gladdened once our humble sphere.
By Anne Bronte
The Poetry Foundation
Pauline /Ray James
March 17, 2012
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
raylee morran
March 17, 2012
RIP Mrs Whitlam. You were highly respected by all. A woman with alot of dignity.
Shaun Currie
March 17, 2012
Ben Chifley talked about the light on the hill. Margaret Whitlam was the warmth of that light.
David White
March 17, 2012
I do feel genuinely sorry for Mr. Whitlam.
Robert Shammall
March 17, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Geoff Marshall
March 17, 2012
As a twelve year old, I can remember seeing Gough and Margaret at our school fete in the mid-1960's. I will never forget the wonderful impression they made with so many ordinary people through that afternoon. Physically striking, both moved easily through the crowd and were warm and friendly to the many children who waited to talk with them or get autographs. When Gough became PM, Margaret became the doyen of first ladies, setting a wonderful example for women and girls of all ages in what they could do and achieve. Rest in peace Margaret - a life very well lived..
carolyn webster
March 17, 2012
May you rest in peace Margaret.God be with you.Condolences to gough &family.
John Chant
March 17, 2012
My sincere condolences to Mr. Whitlam & family.
Whereas Mrs. Whitlam enjoyed a relatively privileged life, she nevertheless retained the common touch & she will be missed by many.
A very sad day indeed.
Marion Coughlin
March 17, 2012
You were an inspiration to me and many other women R.I.P. you will be remembered. Deepest Sympathy to all the family.
John Kotsopoulos
March 17, 2012
Farewell Margaret, you and Gough will always be an example to those who aspire to a marriage of equals
Gloria Pettit
March 17, 2012
A wonderful Australian who worked for those less fortunate. Her own woman. R.I.P Margaret Whitlam.
peter rona
March 17, 2012
One of the very best people that Australia has produced.
Mary Alderson
March 17, 2012
I had never heard the word "brouhaha" until Margaret Whitlam used it. An intelligent and caring person, she was literally a tower of strength for Gough.
jim
March 17, 2012
A great lady who lived and loved those in sydney's wesr,. We from Pats Fair field will never forget her. God Bless
Kay Rawnsley
March 17, 2012
My condolences to Gough who must be feeling like he has lost a limb or two. I know what it is like to lose the love of your life. Thank you Margaret for your generous passionate spirit.
Craig Chew
March 17, 2012
I shook Goughs hand once at the Perth Airport. The hand that held the Country,
The hand that held his love. R.I.P. Lovely Lady...
Ian
March 17, 2012
R.I.P Margaret. My condolences to Gough and his family. I can remembered in 1972 when Gough and Margaret visited Bathurst and I shook hands with them. Very lovely people and they were an inspiration to me ever since that day...
Hilary Dodds
March 17, 2012
A wonderful, intelligent woman who was well regarded in her own right. She stood by her man as did Hazel,Australia has lost a truly great lady.
mareeanne
March 17, 2012
I have always adored Margaret Whitlam for her individual convictions and dedication to humanity, plus her sense of humour. I saw her driving through the centre of Sydney one day in 1986 and cheekily yelled out my car window "G'day Margaret!" as we passed each other. Although we did not know each other personally she grinned and waved at me. That said a lot to me about her approachable personality and her connection with the community. Vale Margaret !
heath gallagher
March 17, 2012
yourself and Gough i feel were a part of my family,and still are. Gough used to come to my mums house in Liverpool in the 50's as the member for Werriwa and was genuinely concerned about the working class,as you were.your efforts to fight for social equality and women's rights will never be forgotten.
Barb Marshall
March 17, 2012
A woman of real substance, farewell to a great Australian
lee-anne tennant
March 17, 2012
i remember you mrs whitlam and husband geoff, when we had celebrated a few christmas's together with my nan and grandpop may you rest in peace
Ann Williamson
March 17, 2012
You will be missed.Remembering you so many years ago. A truely admirable woman. Rest in Perth. My condolences to the Whitlam family.
Adriaan de Leeuw
March 17, 2012
Margaret Elaine Whitlam, a woman of Intelligence, and compassion, such people come along rarely and it is a tradgedy that we have lost one. Condolences to Mr Whitlam and Family, your grief is shared by many in this Nation of Australia.
Isabel Faulds
March 17, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to Mr. Gough Whitlam and family....our loving thoughts and prayers are with you...God bless......
Prue McCormack
March 17, 2012
A quiet yet immensely inspirational woman of our times. My thoughts and sad feelings are with Gough and your family. You will always remembered by those you touched.
Please see: Four Candles for You (unknown) http://www.bereavement-poems-articles.com/poems/eulogypoem/109-four-candles-for-you.php
James Knight
March 17, 2012
I never voted till the Whitlams came along,even got a job in public service so I could be a part of the New Australia. I am sure Margaret would have been a big help to Gough.
Jenny Mitchell
March 17, 2012
Vale Margaret Whitlam; a woman whom I have admired since I was a little girl....you have been an inspiration for Australian women for nearly a half century....your selflessness, strength and wisdom will be missed xx
Society of Women Writers NSW Inc.
March 17, 2012
Margaret Whitlam had been a warm, friendly and loyal member of the Society of Women Writers NSW. She was well loved and respected by everyone. We will miss her at our monthly literary lunches. - The Committee of The Society of Women Writers NSW Inc., Sydney. (Bridget McKern - President)
Lydia
March 17, 2012
Margaret Whitlam was a nice lady in private and in public life. A lady who inspired many to be good citizens. Condolences to her family.
March 17, 2012
A wonderful lady, a great inspiration to all sides of Parliament and to all who knew her! The world is a lesser place for her loss! Respectfully, Alan Fitzgerald - Regents Park NSW
Margaret
March 17, 2012
Australia owes so much to Margaret and Gough Whitlam.Condolences to Gough and loved ones on your loss RIP.
Christine
March 17, 2012
RIP Margaret, how I wished I had stopped and spoken to you when I past you & Gough in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London 1983. Our eyes met with recognition (I knew who you were & you knew I was an Australian. You were a woman of substance that is for sure.
Linda Domaschenz
March 17, 2012
Margaret you were an inspirational woman who was so much more than a PM's wife. You helped shape my future and interest in women's rights and politics. Thankyou, we will be less without you, but we have been enriched by your contribution to the fabric of Australian society.
Greg Barker
March 17, 2012
A great lady from the greatest generation, Australia is the better for your efforts. Rest in Peace Margaret
Alice Wood
March 17, 2012
A true women who will be remembered by many, may you RIP.
Angelo Carnemolla
March 17, 2012
Sad to hear of the passing, of a great first lady.May you rest in peace dear Margaret.
Belinda Downes
March 17, 2012
Thoughts and prayers with the family at this time. Well remembered. Rest in Peace.
Mike A
March 17, 2012
One of the greatest women ever to grace public life in Australia. Farewell Margaret, your name will live on.
Kevin Lindeberg
March 17, 2012
I used to think of Margaret as our Eleanor Roosevelt, but she didn't need to be compared with such a woman to have substance in her own right: Margaret, by intellect, presence and contribution, left an indelible mark on this nation. Condolences to Gough and her family.
Catherine Forsayeth
March 17, 2012
Everyone respected Mrs Whitlam. I never gave her anything except this, but she gave me a lot.
Marilyn Shepherd
March 17, 2012
Margaret and Gough were and are an inspiration to a number of generations of Australians.
RIP Margaret and condolences to Gough and the children, grand children and great grandchildren.
Geoff & Suzie
March 17, 2012
A truly great Australian and one of our dearest Women - RIP
March 17, 2012
Luceat Lux Vestra, I just loved that we sang our school song together the day Gough asked me to peel a grape and I did. You are such a wonderful woman, Margarett, and fortune smiled on all of us in your orbit, however remotely. Lots of love, Jennifer Butler
Paul Ng and family.
March 17, 2012
Politics aside, our sincere
condolences to the Whitlam family
Peter Macfa
March 17, 2012
Truly a great stalwart of the Labor movement and worthy of National Treasure status. She will be sorely missed. Sincerest copndolences to Gough and the family our thoughts are with you.
Denise Hadley
March 17, 2012
farewell to a wonderful Australian woman and great sympathy for her husband and family..a life well lived
Margi Hodson
March 17, 2012
My Dad valued yours and Goughs friendship. I never expressed my thanks for coming to the funeral for Dad. Thanks it meant a lot to the family. You were the funniest lady that I had ever met (as a six year old).
Jennifer Jennings
March 17, 2012
Mrs. Whitlam, Your presence on earth will be sadly missed.The lady that lived in the pretty white house with beautifull red roses at Cronulls.From the little girl that walked the long way home,just to see and the lovely lady, that lived there. Jennifer Murray
March 17, 2012
Autralians of all political persuasions will be greatly saddened by news of Mrs Whitlam's death. A truly remarkable Australian who through the most turbulent of times for her husband and family retained great dignity and demonstrated a remarkable humility. Condolences to Mr Whitlam and the Whitlam family. Steve in Perth
Carol-Anne Croker
March 17, 2012
Vale one of my greatest heros of all time. I don't know of an adult life without the presence and wisdom of Margaret Whitlam. She was a mentor for so many of us who never thought we could try to reach our true potential, especially professionally.I feel for Gough and thank goodness he is surrounded by loving family at this time :-(
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