Sadly my auntie Leoni has recently passed away. I only met her a few times when she came to visit the UK, but she always left a lasting and warm impression. The last time I saw Aunt Leoni, I was charged with the not inconsiderable responsibility of driving her from my Nan’s house in Coventry to Heathrow Airport in London in order for her to catch her flight back home to Australia at the end of her latest visit.

The journey took a little over two hours and we used the time to discuss her stay and joked about her coming back in 2012 to take part in the Olympics. She was very widely travelled and I took the opportunity to discus this with her too. It was fascinating to hear her experiences in so many different country’s around the world and all told with such enthusiasm.
“In every country in the World”, she said, “You will always find something wonderful and unique to inspire you.”
She had certainly led an inspiring life. At one point in the journey we got held up in traffic and worrying about check in and departure times I put my foot down once on the open motorway. You have never seen such a dignified elder lady wear such a broad and excited smile whilst travelling in excess of 130MPH.

We made the check in, in time and kissed good bye with her customary all embracing hug. That was the last time I saw my Auntie Leoni, she leaves behind fond memory’s and warm thoughts, not forgotten. I remember her parting words clearly as she winked at me, “Goodbye my darling. And I do like your car!”

The following was taken from the YWCA Australia website. Link below.

Vale Leoni Durrant
YWCA Victoria and YWCA Australia extend their sympathy to the family of Leoni Durrant, former Executive Director of the YWCA of Melbourne and Member of the YWCA Australia Board, who has passed away. We celebrate Leoni’s magnificent contribution to the YWCA movement. Leoni’s two decades of service as the Executive Director of the YWCA of Melbourne (now YWCA Victoria) included the development of the Elizabeth Street Hotel, a lasting legacy for the association.

Leoni became Executive Director following the well loved, and most capable, Joyce Truelove. She brought with her a range of skills that enabled the YWCA of Melbourne to move ahead.

Leoni came in when the decision was made to move from the out-dated building in Collins Street to the site of the present Jasper Hotel in Elizabeth Street (which is still owned and managed by YWCA Victoria). With unfailing energy, Leoni oversaw the upheaval necessary to relocate and re-energise the association. The current work in upgrading Richmond House as part of YWCA Victoria’s social housing program would be most appreciated by Leoni.

In Leoni’s era, the YWCA of Melbourne oversaw strong YWCA clubs, worked with newly arrived migrants to support them, maintained housewives’ groups, and assisted the rehabilitation of recently-released prisoners as well as managing buildings.

Leoni also gave service to the national movement in so many ways. She served on the Victorian State Committee, the National Executive, attended World Councils, took part in the World International Training Institutes, and was ever-ready to help out other local associations when they were in need. Many women around Australia felt they could call on Leoni for advice. Leoni also forged bonds with other organisations and was an able advocate for women’s causes.

Leoni was yet another woman whose contribution to our Association is impossible to quantify. We farewell a good friend and honour her memory.

The original article can be found here: http://www.ywca.org.au/news/vale-leoni-durrant