WILLIAMSTOWN woman Helen Schwab was remembered at a packed service on Monday as an independent spirit full of good humour.
Ms Schwab, the widow of former Fairfax editor Laurie Schwab, drowned at Surfers Paradise last Friday when she was carried out to sea.
Two bodyboarders pulled Ms Schwab to shore, but paramedics and lifeguards were unable to save her.
Born in England, the 58-year-old mother-of-three migrated to Australia when she was five and moved to Williamstown in 1996.
She had two daughters, and 10 years ago was reunited with the son she adopted out as a teen.
For two years, Ms Schwab represented Victoria on the Playgroup Council of Australia.
This culminated in her election as council representative at a non-government organisation forum of the United Nations International Conference on Women which raised awareness of the value of unpaid work.
Sports and Editorial Services Australia’s Roy Hay said Ms Schwab helped preserve her late husband’s commitment to soccer journalism and the game via the Laurie Schwab Foundation, now supported by Football Federation Victoria.
“Helen, like my wife, Frances, was married to someone who suffered from a serious case of soccer,” Mr Hay said.
“That meant her independent spirit and wonderful range of interests were often constrained by the demands of that game. I’ve no doubt Laurie compensated for this in many ways.
“They were a wonderful partnership, full of fun, good humour and great company.
“Laurie was a western suburbs nationalist, always promoting the game in the area.
“When it came to how to use the funds it was decided to offer support to help a young player or aspiring journalist to get started. Helen made sure that we did that.”
The Horticultural Media Association of Victoria said Ms Schwab, a former editor and advertising manager, would be sadly missed.
In a joint statement on behalf of members, president Jim Fogarty and secretary Noelle Weatherley said Ms Schwab worked for the HMA for six years and endeared members and advertisers alike with her professionalism, sense of humour and dedication to her career.
Bristol Hotel publican Tony “The Bear” Verlaan said Ms Schwab would be missed by all. “She used to come in here and have a drink with her dogs, Jack and Iggy. Everyone knew her.”
