Venus May
It is with great sadness that I advise of the passing of Venus May (pictured above with Senior Prefect Stephen Palmer on her retirement in 1986).
Mrs May, as she was known to all of us, passed away peacefully last Sunday 25 October. She was 99 with her 100th birthday coming up on 28 November. As related by her sons John (Dasher) (ON 1967) and Bill (ON 1970), she has done a ‘Bradman’ – out at 99.9. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dasher and Bill and their families at this time.
Venus May was a Newington institution. As a parent she was fully involved in the P&F and was a very active member of the Rowing Committee (now the Rowing Association) and maintained a keen interest in Newington Rowing to the end.
But for generations of Newington boys, she was the manager of the Newington Tuckshop. She ruled the tuckshop with an iron fist but well hidden in a velvet glove of love and respect for all ‘her boys’. Many of our mothers who volunteered for the tuckshop over the years will be remembering those happy times as they receive news of her passing. It is said that she was the only person that would take on the Headmaster Tony Rae, as she was so passionate about everything Newington that not even the Headmaster would stand in her way.
For her unswerving dedication to Newington over many decades, she was honoured by the ONU with Honorary Life Membership. Only the second woman to be so honoured after the late Kitty Prescott.
For family reasons, Venus’ funeral cannot be held until 16 November. A private family cremation service will be conducted by Rev Dr Peter Swain OAM RFD at Venus’ request and this will then be followed by:
A Celebration of Venus May’s life
Monday 16 November at 3.00pm
Northbridge Golf Club, Sailors Bay Road, Northbridge to which all are invited and most welcome.
A notice will appear in the Sydney Morning Herald next Wednesday 4 November.
Newington College has lost a dear friend and supporter. May she rest in peace.
Rod Bosman (ON 1978)
Director of Community and Development
