Obituary
ELFRIEDA ‘Johanna’ Eveleigh passed away recently with her daughters by her side.
Johanna’s strength of character, stoicism and caring nature to all she knew will be sorely missed.
A tenacious woman, who faced and successfully overcame continual life challenges that few could comprehend.
As a student nurse in Germany at a very young age she was thrust into a war she wanted no part of.
Surviving untold horrors of the Dresden fire bombings and later escaping the wrath of socialism in East Germany she arrived in England as a refugee.
Again, faced with the challenge of being accepted into a society that was not entirely receptive to German citizens.
She married Eric in 1953, had four children in England and once again facing challenge and upheaval left the UK as a ten-pound Pom destined for Australia with her family.
The family thrived in their newly adopted country, making a home in Brisbane.
Her working life, as an intensive care nurse at the Royal Brisbane Hospital, was long and fruitful. Johanna and Eric eventually retired to Tamborine Mountain in 1986 where they built a home and magnificent garden.
Dealt cruel blows in the loss of her life partner, and then her only son, Michael, she moved to Eagle Heights and established a garden so beautiful it was featured on Gardening Australia.
In later life Johanna took up Tai Chi classes on the Mountain and travelled to China.
She volunteered for the Mountain’s Community Care program for a number of years, and enjoyed volunteering as a Potty Potter, building rock walls and paths that meander through the Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens.
Throughout every challenge of her life Johanna maintained her strength and found joy in her local community and family.
She will be sorely missed by all whose lives she touched.
A service to celebrate Johanna’s life will be live-streamed on July 12 at 2pm.
Please contact, Le Pine Funerals, Kew East, (03) 9859 9431 for details.
