• OBITUARY
5 December 1953 - 28 December 2024
THE esteem in which Jan Parry was held was evident from the large attendance at her Korumburra Showgrounds funeral on Friday, January 10.
While the occasion was tinged with sadness, it was also a celebration of a life well-lived and the joy Jan brought to those who knew her.
She ensured anyone walking into Parry’s Korumburra, the shop she ran with husband Bob and known fondly by locals as Parry’s gift store, felt immediately welcome, engaging them in friendly conversation.
“New customers were greeted with a smile and she informed them all about Korumburra and some were allowed to escape within the hour,” Bob recalled.
“I’m not used to speaking because my wife never gave me a chance to talk much,” he observed, proceeding to deliver a touching tribute to his wife of 53 years whom he married in 1971.
Bob realised early in the couple’s relationship that Jan was raised by kind, generous parents, Bevan and Gwen, traits she went on to exhibit in many aspects of her life including her prominent role in establishing Milpara Community House and working to improve its services.
Former Milpara House coordinator Sandra Webster spoke of Jan’s immense contribution and determined approach to achieving better outcomes for the Korumburra community, describing her as “my mentor and kind and wise friend”.
After helping establish Milpara, Jan served 28 years on its committee as chairperson, then as secretary and public officer, also representing the organisation on many community committees.
“Jan was there in the thick of it as well as working full time in the shop with Bob and raising three boys,” Sandra said of Milpara’s early years, describing Jan as “the inspiration and the driver behind a huge range of community services for Korumburra”.
Sandra noted never having heard Jan say a bad word about anyone, but also her determination to win support for causes dear to her heart.
“Jan was passionate about community development and this passion was infectious,” Sandra said, describing her as “a role model for the staff, committee and volunteers at Milpara, always seeking better services for the community she so loved”.
In an online tribute, Milpara Community House described Jan as a “staunch supporter”, involved from the very beginning as one of its founders, saying she could see how an organisation such as
Milpara could have long lasting benefit to the community.
“We are honoured Jan has chosen Milpara’s Emergency Foodbank to receive donations on her behalf, in lieu of flowers,” the Community House stated.
News of Jan’s passing sparked other moving acknowledgments, the Korumburra Business Association describing her as a true local identity and prominent business owner who has helped so many people along the way.
The Korumburra A&P Society acknowledged the great support Jan and Parry’s store has provided the Korumburra Show for decades.
“What a woman, what a life; your legacy will continue,” Milpara House declared, a sentiment clearly shared by those paying their respects, the turnout overwhelming the Parry family but well deserved for someone Bob labelled “a people person”.
