Vale Remembering our alumnae

PRUE HANSEN (DICK, OL 1955)

The School was recently advised that Prue Hansen passed away in August 2022. She will be missed by her three sons and their families.

Prue and her older sister Helen were Old Lauristonians who were very fond of their connection to Lauriston. At Prue’s 50 Year Reunion in 2005 she recounted wonderful memories of friendships formed and the exciting 1954 memory of the Coronation Pageant. She also recalled the fond memories of swimming sports at the Malvern Baths and being totally incapable (along with Sandra Krants) of doing the backstroke in a straight line!

We extend our deepest condolences to the Hansen family.

ELIZABETH MARGARET LINDSAY CUNNINGHAM (MILDRED, OL 1951)

The entire Lauriston community extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Liz Cunningham (Mildred, OL 1951) and especially to her twin sister Patricia Lowe (Mildred, OL 1951).

In September 2019, Lauriston had the pleasure of having Liz back to visit her childhood home Blairholme, where both she and her twin sister Patricia were brought up. The Mildred family had sold Blairholme to Lauriston in 1975, following the passing of Liz’s father, Lindsay Mildred.

Liz and her sister Patricia attended Lauriston from 1940 to 1951. Liz was a member of the senior Tennis Team and in 1951 appointed a Probationer and then a Prefect.

NEDA FISH (PAST STAFF)

We recently heard from Catherine Gadzinski (Fish, OL 1996) that her mother Neda Fish passed away on 19 May 2023. Neda was a member of staff and was fondly remembered as a wonderful French teacher.

In the 1997 Lauristonian, the then Deputy Headmistress Mrs Nicole Lukins wrote:

“MrsNedaFishhasnotonlybeenamemberofStafffor 14 years but also a parent for 13 of these. Erudite, an outstanding linguist and well educated in the broadest sense of the word, Mrs Fish has kept many of us enthralled with her knowledge of languages, history, and culture. We trust that, in her retirement, she will have the time to pursueandenjoyhermany,variedinterests.”

The School extends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Catherine and the Fish family.

In 1951, Liz passed her Matriculation (Year 12), achieving second class honours in two of her subjects. She was awarded a Commonwealth scholarship to the University of Melbourne and awarded her Bachelor of Arts in 1958.

In 1962 Liz married Dr Mark Cunningham in London and had three daughters and a son.

Liz’s three daughters are also alumnae of Lauriston: Cara Cunningham (OL 1980) who attended Lauriston from 1968 to 1980; Sophie Cunningham Dawe (Cunningham, OL 1981) who attended Lauriston from 1968 to 1979; and Fleur Ritchie (Cunningham, OL 1987) who attended Lauriston from 1974 to 1985.

Liz is survived by her identical twin Patricia Lowe of Wagga Wagga; also her children, Cara, Sophie, Piers and Fleur, and grandchildren, nieces and nephew.

HELEN DRUMMOND (PAST STAFF)

Lauriston Girls’ School and the entire Lauriston community were saddened to hear of the recent passing of much loved and admired former teacher and past parent Mrs Helen Drummond.

Helen dedicated more than 22 years of her life to Lauriston, joining as a Physical Education (PE) teacher in July 1975. Throughout her tenure, she also taught geography and eventually took on significant roles such as Head of Physical Education and Senior Housemistress of Kirkhope in the 1990s. Her enthusiasm and efficiency resonated with the students she taught, and she genuinely cared for their well-being.

Helen’s exceptional organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail played a vital role in various noteworthy endeavours at the school. She contributed significantly to the success of Lauriston’s 90th birthday Open Day in 1991, where her careful planning ensured a memorable event.

In the preceding year, she undertook the establishment and administration of the Students’ Services Centre, which replaced the original ‘Sick Bay’ and provided invaluable support to the students.

Over the span of three decades, Helen’s contributions to the sports programs and overall well-being of Lauriston’s students were truly remarkable. She also left a lasting legacy with the creation of the Kirkhope Cookbook, showcasing her passion for both cooking and the school community. Even after retiring from her formal role, Helen maintained a strong connection to Lauriston. She actively participated in numerous reunions, demonstrating her continued dedication and love for the school. In 2020, during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Helen selflessly shared her recipe for shepherd’s pie with the community, further exemplifying her commitment and care.

Helen’s passing leaves a significant void in the hearts of the Lauriston community. Her unwavering dedication, contributions, and profound impact on the lives of students will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Mrs Helen Drummond — Drummo – will be sadly missed. She was a mentor, teacher, coach, motivator, and friend to many Lauriston students in sport and in life. Truly the end of an era.”

Lisa Hasker (OL 1985), CEO VicSport

On her retirement in 1997, the following excerpt was published in The Lauristonian:

“TherecannotbemanyareasoftheSchoolwithwhich Mrs Helen Drummond has not been involved in her twenty-two and a half years on Staff. Her contributions to so many aspects of Lauriston are enormous, and her extraordinary energy has been an inspiration to us all. Not only a dedicated teacher, but her genuine interest in pastoral care has also helped many a student through difficulties. Her talents are varied, encompassing Sport, a department which she headed for ten years, Geography, administration and, of course, organising and caring for the members of Kirkhope House. An entire generation ofyoungwomenowemuchtoMrsDrummond’s encouragement, sympathy, and wise counselling. Shewillbeverymuchmissed.”

—Nicole

Lukins, Deputy Headmistress.

Many Old Lauristonians, far and wide, have expressed how much Helen was considered with much affection.

Our entire community joins together in sending our deepest and most sincere condolences to Helen’s daughters, Old Lauristonians Gael and Fee, on the passing of their beloved mother. Helen holds a special place in the hearts of many, and she will be remembered with great fondness by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Our thoughts and support are with her family during this difficult time.