The funeral of long-time Hobsons Bay librarian, Jenelle Lawrence, was held on Friday following her sudden death on August 15.
Mourners packed Nelson Brothers in Williamstown on the morning of August 30 to farwell the 40-year-old mother of three who was born and lived most of her life in Altona.
“Totally devastated,” said her father Ronald Colston-Ing of how he was dealing with his daughter’s unexpected death.
“Everyone is.”
The second of three children, Ms Lawrence excelled at school and studied education at university before embarking on a career in teaching.
“She loved to have people learn from her,” said Mr Colston-Ing.
“She had a belief in learning and education and always strived to do her best.”
However, it wasn’t as a teacher but as a librarian where Ms Lawrence’s passion for education came to the fore.
After leaving the classroom, she re-trained and spent 15 years with Hobsons Bay libraries.
“She instigated teaching programs and activities for young children, promoted the library and at one stage she was activating CEO of collectibles at the state library,” said Mr Colston-Ing of how his daughter mixed learning with her duties as a librarian.
He said said his daughter’s values rubbed off on those around her.
“Most people looked up to her because of her leadership. She had a very big positive impact.”
Dozens of tributes to Ms Lawrence have been left on the Nelson Brothers website, while a donation page with Beyond Blue has been established in her honour.
Ms Lawrence is survived by her three children aged 14, nine and eight, her older brother Jason, younger sister Chloe and parents Ronald and Rita.
To make a donation, visit: inmemory.beyondblue.org.au/jenelle
