How sad I am that I won’t see my dear friend from school days again. Jay and I were at Primary and High School together at Frankston. Always in the same class, we rode our bikes to school together; she lived further away from school than me so she picked me up on the way. She was always on time, beautifully dressed, had done her homework, organized for the day and ever smiling and cheerful. Jay was an excellent student with a very serious attitude to study, good at sport and very popular with teachers and students. I have been looking through old school magazines and see her photos as a prefect, and soft-ball team member. We spent many of our after school and weekend times together. Favorite places to go were to ride our bikes down to the tracks and bush of Sweet Water Creek and going down to the beach and along the cliffs of Oliver’s Hill. We both adored our dogs, she had Monty and I had Randy and we would put them in our bike baskets and take them with us, and what fun we had together. I was a frequent visitor to her home, a magical place on the cliff overlooking the Bay and Oliver’s Hill with a track from the house leading down to Nepean Highway and the sea. Jay’s father was a writer and was usually seen making his way to his study, while Jay’s bubbly and friendly mother would make us a snack and chat. I remember birthday parties at her house. How very blessed I was to have such a friend, I have always admired and loved her very dearly. As a young girl, Jay was always quietly sure of herself, she had a well developed sense of what was right and a social responsibility and compassionate feelings for others. Her beautiful face with her laughing eyes, her immaculate grooming and style, her love of life, and those around her, her modesty about her achievements, Jay you were a truely beautiful person from your early days and throughout your life. My sincere sympathy to Kate and her family, Jay adored her beloved family and loved to speak of what your little ones were doing. Goodbye dear friend, as with so many others, I will miss you dearly and my memories of our times together will stay with me for my life time. Heather

Jay came into our lives as 'mother-out-law', and then as 'other grandmother', and we miss sharing the joys and anxieties with her. We hope the memory of her courage, humour, feistiness and good common sense, and the great love she had for her little family, will help Kate through this sad time.

I had the good fortune to work with Jay for many years at KPMG. She was without doubt one of the most professional and dedicated people I have ever worked with. She had such an inquisitive approach to life and was always ready to learn. Jay was also genuinely kind and willing to share her extensive knowledge. Fond memories of a truly good woman. Di Vermeeren

Kate and your loved ones, sorry to hear of the loss of your mum. I worked with your mum for quite a few years at KPMG. We even met, you may not remember me. Your mum was a lovely lady and very helpful. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Sincere sympathies Lynette Judd

I had the privaledge of working with Jay for many years, trully a beautiful person and human being. So sad we missed each other the past few years. always remembered We were lucky to have known her Ian McBride and Jennie Goble

Thinking of you and your family now and sending all our love. Two little fellows here will miss their great aunt who made such an effort to be part of their lives and their mother has lost an aunt who has supported and loved her from dress up basket days through to adulthood. I will see you in the stars. Much love, Melissa

I was shocked to hear this today, a most beautiful person and someone I had the privilege to work with for many years,she was an inspiration and a gentle lovely person. Jennie and I were both lucky to know her Ian McBride

I have lots of good memories of Jay, but one of my strongest memories is of a family holiday in Point Hicks when Jay announced she was going to go for a walk along the beach. We found out later when we encountered her on the road that a 'walk' for Jay meant several kilometres and many hours in one of the most remote places in Victoria. That was just one of the many times that I was impressed by Jay and her qualities. I heard this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson on the radio a while ago and I thought of Jay immediately - “Few people know how to take a walk. The qualifications are endurance, plain clothes, old shoes, an eye for nature, good humor, vast curiosity, good speech, good silence and nothing too much.”

Dear Kate, I didn't know your mum - maybe I did meet her once - but I know about her. Thinking of you, Zara, Sascha and Bill. Peace be with you. Elizabeth Hartrick

A beautiful and vibrant being that will be sorely missed; family gatherings will never be the same. Our thoughts are with Kate, Bill, Zara and Sash.