The loss of a community champion.

It is with a heavy heart today that we mourn the loss , and celebrate the life of Tomie Curties.

Tomie always brought a smile to my face, and embodied the spirit of community, volunteering countless hours at various events and neither asking for, nor expecting, anything in return - other than the joy of participating with her friends and neighbours to make our world a better place.

Tomie was one of those individuals who was happy to 'work in the background' to get things done, and always had a positive outlook and words of encouragement when life wasn't going quite as we might hope - truly possessing the ability to 'make lemonade' .

As our lives seem to grow increasingly hectic, and full of technologies, tweets, blogs, and other 'distractions', Tomie was a reminder to me that people, and social interaction, are the most important and gratifying aspects of life. The time we spend with our friends, family, neighbours and community is what makes it all worthwhile.

God bless you Tomie, and thank you for sharing your wisdom and compassion with me - and enjoy the next phase of your journey, wherever that may take you.