It was there that Lenore volunteered her time, helping fill numerous roles but generally just enjoying the atmosphere and the ebbs and flows of library life.

Sadly, Lenore passed away quite suddenly on November 10, 2016.

Lenore was born in Young on the southern tablelands on October 26, 1933. However, the family soon moved to Paddington when she was aged three years of age.

Her education started at Paddington Primary School before finishing her formal learning at the Dover Heights High School.

Following her school years, Lenore enjoyed a few different jobs but was particularly fond of working at Paddington Home Made Chocolates where she had access to many ‘samples’.

She jokingly referred to as a ‘sweet job’.

By the early 1950s, Lenore met her soulmate Ron – or Rip, to all who knew him. They married in St John’s Church, Woollahra in 1955.

Ten years later their only child Michael came into the world. Seeking a sea change, the family packed up their life in Sydney moving to Tathra on the far south coast of NSW. Their life was quite comfortable on the coast before making another move to take up a very happy rural life at inland Bega.

During that period Lenore started, what would eventually be, a lifetime association with library when she joined the Bega High School. She continued her school library work when the couple moved back to Doonside in Sydney in 1985.

Despite a happy existence in Sydney, Lenore and Rip retired north to Port Macquarie in 1998 to be closer to the family including her brother Max and sister-in-law Gwenda.

Lenore’s love for library work saw her take up a volunteer position with the Port Macquarie Library which continued to her passing.

Library manager Jim Maguire said Lenore was one of our longest serving volunteers.

“For over 20 years she assisted us in returning books on Monday mornings. As this was our busiest  day of the week, her assistance was always greatly appreciated,” he said.

“She was very enthusiastic about libraries and enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside staff to provide what she considered an essential service.

“She was a valued member of The Friends of Port Macquarie Library  for many years and took part in many fund raising activities.

“She will be greatly missed by all the library staff.”

​While devoting her life to her husband Rip, who currently resides in Regis, and to her son Michael, who lives in Kellyville, Lenore loved her time with her extended family and friends.

She loved movies and music and was a fan of good television drama but more than anything enjoyed a good laugh, according to son Michael.

“To all those who met Lenore, the overwhelming impression was always one of love,” he said.

“She had kind thoughts and kind words for everyone. The impressions are indelible and she leaves us all so much better for the experience of knowing her.

“She will be very sadly missed.”