Hawthornes are farewelled

More than 100 friends and family gathered for morning tea to farewell Mary and Bill Hawthorne after their 45 years as Pearl Beach residents.

Pearl Beach Progress Association Ms Lynne Lillico said the couple decided to move away from the area to live closer to their family in Sydney.

"Mary and Bill have always provided leadership within the community," Ms Lillico said.

She said their enthusiasm in participating in many local community activities endeared them to many people.

"Bill spent many years working with the volunteers for the environment and the ongoing maintenance and development of the Crommelin Native Arboretum.

"His dedication and hard work was acknowledged by Arboretum president Phil Westlake, who made a moving presentation to Bill."

Ms Lillico said the couple held executive roles within the Pearl Beach Progress Association during their residence.

"Mary was an important member of the steering committee in the development of the Pearl Beach Plan of Management," Ms Lillico said.

"In addition she acted as secretary for the association and, for many years, was editor of the local Gem newsletter.

"Mary was a founding member of the Central Coast Poet's Group and a number of her poet friends paid tribute to her qualities and conducted a short poetry reading recalling her special attributes and poetry expertise.

"Mary and Bill have always led by example and will be missed by their many friends."

Press release, 7 Oct 2008 Lynne Lillico, Pearl Beach Progress Association