Family Message

Ruth Bannenberg née Kwast, 29 May 1928

Died peacefully at home, last Wednesday 10 July 2024

Beloved wife and life companion of Jan (John). Generous, loving and much loved mother to John, Michael, Mark, Clare, Francesca and Emma. Wonderful Oma to Madeline, Benjamin, David, Rhiannon and Stephanie. Delighted 'Omama' to Koa, Bryn and Henry.

Her 96 years were a magnificent journey, from early life with her beloved brothers Evert and Tony and sister Mary, through many hardships in wartime Amsterdam, to many joys in Australia, shared with our father John.

There are so many families and friends who have been touched by Ruth's warmth, generosity and kindness. We feel embraced by your support.

Through hard work, incredible organisational skills, and a knack for being gently and attentively present with others, she built many lifelong friendships. She never missed a loved one's birthday, always writing cards and letters. She corresponded by airmail weekly with her sister Mary in Amsterdam for over fifty years. Committed, loyal and loving.

She was a wonderful cook, an excellent seamstress and knitter, instinctively stylish and always ladylike. She found great enjoyment in music, poetry and literature. Her loves and joys ranged widely and she relished life every day. By far the most often used words we've heard in talking to friends these last days are 'she was so sweet and kind'. Through the peaks and valleys of life, always with a beautiful, kind, generous, warm heart.

Hats off to you Mum, what a beautiful job you've made of living well.

The service will be followed by a private burial.