News

It is with a heavy heart we say goodbye to Kittie Dwyer. Kitty was a much loved and respected member of the Parkes Palliative Care Volunteer Support Group. Kittie was one of the founders of the group, setting it up in 2013 under the guidance of specialist palliative care nurse Bernadette Orange.

Diane Scott, Parkes Neighbourhood Central Executive Officer acknowledged Kittie’s founding efforts, “As the inaugural Volunteer Coordinator, Kittie helped create a service founded on dignity, compassion and support for people at the end of life and their families. Her commitment to palliative care and bereavement support has left a lasting legacy that continues to influence the service today.”

Kittie spent a long time just quietly making things happen for the community of Parkes. As well as volunteering in palliative care, she established support groups for the aged and for people with disabilities.

Parkes volunteer Chris Duffy knew her for many years through these support groups before joining the service, “Kittie had such a lovely way with people, and she really added a personal touch to everything she took on.” 

Kittie was a much loved and respected team member who will be missed by her fellow volunteers.

Tony Fisher, Volunteer Coordinator said, “Kittie was a volunteer we could always count on, especially when we needed experienced insight. She had a gentle way about her that naturally put people at ease in any circumstance. With her extensive background knowledge and experience, she was deeply valued by both our volunteers and clients.

“Kittie devoted so much of her time to the volunteer service and so many wouldn’t even know the full extent of what she did. She would often go above and beyond what was expected, sometimes even cooking and delivering hot dinners after hours. Whatever her clients needed most, she would make it happen.”

Kitty was such a powerhouse and the world is a better place because of her. Our sympathies are with her family, and everyone else who loved and will miss her.

PHOTOS:

LEFT. Back row: Bernadette Orange, Chris Duffy, Maria Buchanan, Wendy Morrow. Front row: Kim Sheridan, the late Kaye Lyndsay, Kittie Dwyer.

RIGHT. Bernadette Orange (left) and Kittie Dwyer.