Judith Dewhurst (White, 1953) has sent us this beautiful tribute to her life-long friend.

I wish to notify the passing on 1 October 2024 of Eleanor Symons (Hunt, 1953). Eleanor and I first met when were both three months old and we were close friends for 88 years.

Eleanor was at MLC School from Year 6 in 1948 to the Leaving Certificate in 1953. She enjoyed her years at the School, engaging in many activities. She was the Secretary of Pen-Friends Club, a member of the Tildesley Tennis Team in 1952 and 1953, a member of the Sports Committee and a Wearne Librarian.

In her final year at MLC School, Eleanor was the Mooramoora House Captain, a Senior Prefect and the winner of the Old Girls’ Union Prize.

Eleanor had many connections to MLC School: sister Edith Crowe (Hunt, 1955) and mother Helene Hunt (Henry, 1924), her aunt, the renowned crustaceologist Marguerite Cooper (Henry, 1913), and cousins Joan Meyer (Cooper, 1944), Lorna Ruffle (Cooper, 1946) and David Cooper who was enrolled into Kindergarten at MLC School in 1937.

On leaving school, Eleanor excelled at Secretarial Studies and went on to work for the federal government’s Department of Supply under Hon. Howard Beale. This was during the time of Prime Minister Robert Menzies, who called Eleanor ‘Kiddo’ whenever their paths crossed in the halls of Parliament House. 

Eleanor married Philip Symons and they were blessed with three children Jane, Jennifer and Roger, eight grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. Eleanor was proud of them all and was always interested in everything each of them did.

Eleanor was a very kind and charitable person with a great determination and was never daunted by a challenge. This lead to multiple positions involving fundraising and caring for others. Her most significant contribution was to the Illawarra Cancer Carers, many of whom attended her funeral.

Eleanor has left us all with great memories and love. She will be missed and remembered by so many.