Moyra Best McAllister (nee McElhinney) Late of Fitzroy North
Moyra Best McAllister (nee McElhinney) died on 17 February 2024.
Return to Funeral NoticeVirtual Signature Book
Travers McLeod — 6 March 2024
Dear Trevor,Im writing as Executive Director of the Brotherhood of St. Laurence to offer my sincere condolences and deepest sympathy on the passing of your beloved wife, Moyra. BSL, and especially our library, benefited enormously from Moyras service as a volunteer from 2008 until late last year. Members of the team attended Moyras funeral and said it was a beautiful celebration of a truly remarkable woman, an exemplary professional, and the ultimate volunteer. Moyra was a rare human being who will be missed by all of us at BSL. Vale.
Elizabeth Bodkin-Moore — 26 February 2024
We were gym buddies. I met Moyra and Trevor at our 'Living longer living stronger' group at the local gym.We enjoyed interesting and funny conversations, afterwards, over a coffee. Many memories to savour.
DONALD AND KAY MCELHINNEY — 24 February 2024
We were so sorry to hear of Moyra's death; she was such a lovely person. Our condolences to Trevor and the family
Pat Miller — 24 February 2024
As a librarian in the 1990s I met Moyra through our professional association, ALIA. Over the years she became an unofficial mentor to me, sharing her wealth of knowledge about providing information service and her enthusiasm for our vocation. Later, in our retirement years, she continued that support as we worked together as volunteers at the Melbourne Athenaeum Library. There was certainly no retiring for Moyra, always up for a challenge and seeking always to improve information access for all. She installed the librarys new, improved library software and taught me all she could about it. She was a true miracle worker. But we also had many other shared interests which retirement gave us freedom to pursue: classical music, travel and crime fiction. Friendship grew.At the Celebration of Moyra today at the Athenaeum Library, when I stood to relay Jill Bartholomeuszs tribute, the room was filled with people who have all, like me, benefitted from knowing Moyra at some or several stages of her life. And I knew, too that there was undoubtedly many more who were also in receipt of her knowledge, support and kindness, who could not attend, who may even have been unaware that she is gone. And yet, like me, their lives have been enriched by having known her. I am so very grateful that she was my friend. My deep condolences to Trevor and every member of the family.
Ann Rizio — 24 February 2024
What a wonderful celebration of Moyra. Thank you Richard and family for all the generous stories to round our knowledge of Moyra's life. May the passing of time help to ease your loss
Carmel O’Sullivan — 24 February 2024
Moyra you were such a fierce, intelligent, warm, dryly hilarious boss, mentor and friend to me. You gathered around you the absolute best team at Blakes and I am so lucky to have been one of them. Your generosity and hospitality, and your ability to really see the talents and potential of every individual is unequalled. I treasure your memory and send my deepest condolences to Trevor and your much loved family.
Philippa Fasham — 24 February 2024
I have been incredibly saddened at Moyras passing, and I want to pass on my deepest condolences to Trevor and her family & friends. Moyra wasnt only the National Library Manager during my time at Blakes, but she was also an extraordinary mentor and role model whose professionalism, wisdom, kindness, fierce loyalty, intellect and compassion for others has left me with signposts to navigate life. I think of her often, and with much gratitude for the time I spent in her world.
Sarah Waddle — 24 February 2024
On the few occassions I met her at the McElhinney family reunions, she was a lovely lady full of life and tales to tell. She will be missed.
Catherine Heywood — 24 February 2024
Sympathies to Trevor and family on the death of Moyra. Always such good company. A woman of ideas and compassion.
Tim Guppy — 24 February 2024
Much love to the McAllisters, Moyra was such a lovely caring lady. She will be dearly missed.Thinking of you guys always. Love, The Guppys
Jennefer Nicholson — 24 February 2024
I am one of the many whose life has been enriched through knowing Moyra. As a role model, and special person, Moyra exemplified integrity, intellectual pursuit, professionalism, sincerity, compassion, and the great ability to encourage and bring out the best in others. And she always made just so much sense! Thank you Moyra. My sincere condolences to Trevor, and family.
Valerie Johnson — 24 February 2024
Always a delight to talk with, great discussions. I enjoyed the retired librarian group on the few occasions was able to come. Always friends. Rest in peace
Eugene Schlusser — 23 February 2024
We will miss her wise counsel at Grandmother for Refugees. A compassionate and generous person who lit up my life with every encounter. And a hands-on woman looking out for the next person who might need her help.
Rachel Card — 23 February 2024
Trevor, sons and brothers - Richard and I are so sad to learn of Moyra's untimely death. I have fond memories going back over 60 years.
Richard Clarke — 23 February 2024
I echo everything Ruth has said, what a wonderful, warm, welcoming and intelligent person Moyra was - as a complete hanger on (from my first visit to Aus in 1994), she never made me feel anything less than completely welcome and I cherish all the times we spent with Moyra (and Trevor). We had some great chats over the years and I always looked forward to a good old natter! It was such a shock, you will be a huge miss for so many. Lots of love to Trevor, Andy, Richard and the whole family
Ruth Lunn — 23 February 2024
Ah, Moyra, you were always such an inspiration to me - incluidng how to bring up two boys! I will cherish all the memories of time spent with you (and of course Trevor and your lovely sons) - right from the first time I visited, you always made me (and my hangers on) so welcome. I learnt so much from you about politics, culture, travel - and you showed me so much of your beautiful country, including the wonderful Melbourne, Yanakie and Wilson's Promontory and the Dandenongs (and how fabulous to meet you in Paris where you were able to vote in the GE). I was thrilled to phone you from Darwin to tell you I'd got married, and you told me all about your own marriage in Canada and how history was repeating itself with the family connections. You were fighting for the oppressed to the end. You're a big miss - love to Trevor, Andy, Richard and all the family x
Jane O'Dochartaigh — 23 February 2024
Moyra - we go back 60 years to our student days, sharing a flat in Bradbury Place, in Belfast . Many memories of those days. So glad you and Trevor made the journey to Scotland as well as Ireland last July. Deepest sympathy to Trevor and the family and to the McElhinneys.
Caroline O'Connor — 23 February 2024
My deepest condolences to Trevor & family. I was so sorry to hear of Moyra's sudden passing. She was so vibrant & friendly. I loved the time I spent working with her at the Melbourne Atheneum library. I'm so happy to have met up with her & Trevor on my trip to Melbourne last year. Moyra, thanks for the happy memories, you will be missed. With love from Ireland, Caroline
Simone Putnam — 23 February 2024
Such a sweet, compassionate and beautiful lady. I wish we could have known you longer. We will miss you.Our thoughts and condolences are with you Trevor. Simone and Geoff Putnam.
Paula Kelly Paull — 23 February 2024
Dear Moyra - you were always very kind and inclusive of me in our Library world family I will forever be grateful for your kindness and always warm interactions. I am struck too by the lovely relationship between you and Trevor in your shared passion for service, and libraries. I know he will miss you dearly. Thinking of you both and sending my sincere condolences to you Trevor and your family. Warmest wishes always, Paula xxx
Terrence Russell — 23 February 2024
To Trevor and family, you have my deepest sympathy for the loss you are feeling. Moira was one of a kind. Her selflessness and compassion for others will be remembered. Zoreh, Barham and family are evidence.
Angela and Derek Bridgland — 23 February 2024
We are deeply saddened to hear of Moyra's untimely death. Not only was Moyra a professional colleague and friend, but she, and her husband, Trevor, were neighbours for many years. We shared a love of chamber music and often attended the same concerts. Moyra inspired and mentored many librarians and information professionals, and she was passionate about social justice issues. Moyra loved her family deeply and she was a warm friend. She will be sorely missed!Trevor, our hearts go out to you.
Louis and Rowena Grosfeld — 22 February 2024
We are shocked and saddened at the news of Moyra's passing. Her counsel was invaluable and will remain a touchstone for life's decisions. Her empathy and friendship was deeply cherished and will be sadly missed. To Trevor and family, we send our sympathy and condolences and we are with you in spirit at this difficult time.Louis and Rowena Grosfeld
Kitty Richardson — 22 February 2024
My most vivid memory as a child is when I first met my cousin Moyra. She read me a story and I was astonished by her accent living in Toronto, I had never hear a Northern Irish accent before! Many years later, my husband and I had the pleasure of Moyra & Trevors hospitality. It was wonderful to meet Andrew & Richard and exchange family stories. Ever kind, Moyra welcomed my sons (and their girlfriends) on a number of occasions. Love and sincere condolences to Trevor and all the whole family.
Rosalind Dorman — 22 February 2024
I am so saddened to hear that Moyra has passed away. She was such a vital person and working under her leadership will always be a time to be treasured. My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Trevor and her family.
Karen Corrie — 22 February 2024
Andrew and Trevor I am very saddened to hear of Moyra's recent illness and passing. My sincere condolences to you and to the rest of the family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
John Grigg — 22 February 2024
Beautiful Moyra. We will miss her smile and quiet dignity. Our condolences to Trevor and her family.John and Lesley Grigg Rushall Park
Richard Bunting — 22 February 2024
It was a delight coming to know Moyra during her librarian years at Blake Dawson Waldron. Such a kind and wise friend within the firm. Heartfelt condolences to Trevor, Moyras family and friends
wendy donald — 22 February 2024
I met you many years ago in the Parliamentary Library (Melbourne). We both have found a home at 20 Rushall Crescent, North Fitzroy, Abound Communities. With kindest thoughts to Trevor and to all the family.
Jeannine Goasdoue — 22 February 2024
I'm so saddened to hear this news, and want to share my immense gratitude for Moyra's guidance, friendship and impact on my life. It was a privilege to be part of her team at Blakes in what was a very happy and fulfilling professional time for me. My deep condolences to Trevor and her family and many friends. She leaves a wonderful legacy.
Gail Boelens — 22 February 2024
My condolences to Moyra's family. Moyra was a colleague in the earlier years of my career and provided insight, wisdom and humour. She will be missed.
Jill Stephens — 21 February 2024
Dear Trevor and Family,John and I are saddened to hear of Moyra's passing. She was a shining light to many in the library industry. I met her in 2001 when she and Kerrie mentored me while I was a mature aged library student and we remained in touch since. My husband John helped them with a plumbing issue years ago and was touched by (both of you) your lovely demeanour. Sending love during your grief.Love Jill and John Stephens Warrnambool
Michael Mamouney — 21 February 2024
My sincere condolences to Trevor and the family. Moyra was a giant in the library world and left her mark wherever she went. Moyra was a great mentor to me personally and I will always have good memories of her. Vale Moyra.
Jill Bartholomeusz — 21 February 2024
We honour you Moyra, you will live on in our hearts, you were our dear colleague and true friend.With love and admiration always,From Jill Bartholomeusz
Melanie & Guy Elron — 21 February 2024
Will always miss our dear friend Moyra, who always had time for everyone. She was a fierce & intelligent boss and a thoughtful and generous friend. She would regularly visit Sydney to bring some joy (and a nip of whisky) to an old colleague & friend who was in a hospice, and made time to see everyone else she could too. She and Trevor were great mentors & role models to us. We took great pleasure in her company, always full of lively tales of her Irish childhood & her first days in Australia. We hope she is at peace now.Our condolences to her beloved family.
Diane Gabb — 21 February 2024
My sincere condolences. Moyra will be well remembered for her sincerity and friendship.Diane Gabb
Marlene Stephens — 21 February 2024
A beautiful lady. Gone but will not be forgotten. Condolences to Trevor and familyMarlene & Don Stephens
Gaynor & John Lovett — 21 February 2024
Moyra, taken too soon, there was so much more you wanted to do, as if what you achieved in your life wasn't ever enough. I will miss your visits to Darwin our catch ups. You were ever the advocate, teacher, mentor and above all else a sincere and true friend. Love you always. Love to Trevor and the family.