Lynette’s sister, Kathryn Cowley (Slatyer, 1964) has sent us this tribute to her beloved sister who passed away in Hobart on 14 December 2023.

Lyn graduated as a physiotherapist from the University of Sydney in 1957 and commenced her career in NSW. She later worked in Hobart, in Quebec, Canada, and in 1965, at the Kabat Kaiser Rehabilitation Centre, in Vallejo, California. It was here that Lyn undertook a six-month course in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques. Achieving outstanding results, Lyn was offered a tutor position at the school.

After returning to Hobart in 1966, Lyn married Graeme and had three children, David, Kathryn and Suzie. She continued to work in Hobart in private practice and from 1982, at the Hobart Royal Hospital. 

In 1997, Lyn and Graeme moved to Koonya on the Tasman Peninsular, south east of Hobart. She continued to practice as a physiotherapist part-time at the Nubeena Community Centre on the Peninsula. When she retired she led exercise classes in Nubeena, keeping up to date with the latest in physiotherapy practice via the Journal of Physiotherapy, the official journal of the Australian Physiotherapy Association.

At Lyn and Graeme’s house on the Tasman Peninsula, there was an ‘open house’ policy. Visitors were always warmly welcomed. And there was always something delicious to eat as Lyn was a fabulous cook; providing a meal to anyone who arrived in a no-fuss way. 

At Lyn’s memorial gathering, one of her friends and former colleague stated that Lyn was not only a skilled and knowledgeable physiotherapist, but a very humane and compassionate friend and workmate, especially to new graduates from interstate. Lyn’s family, friends and colleagues agreed she was a dedicated physiotherapist, mentor, listener, confidante and friend, who taught us all so much. 

Lyn is the loved wife of Graeme and adored mother of David, Kathryn and Suzie; mother in law of Selina, John and Stephen; grandmother of William, Henry, Rory and Elsa; and elder sister of Stuart (dec) Harvey and Kathryn Cowley (Slatyer, 1964).