Beryl passed away at Castlemaine Hospital on the 7th of September 2023, aged 82 years.
Survived by her loving husband John, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Beryl was a teacher, traveller, musician, singer, philosopher, gardener, scholar, puzzler, reader and dog lover.
Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Beryl’s life, to be held in the Church of Christ, Blakeley Road, Castlemaine
on Thursday 21st September commencing at 11.00am.
If you wish to join us at the service via livestream
please return to the home page of this website and click on the livestream button.
The service will be live approximately 5 -10 minutes prior to commencing.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in memory of Beryl to the Smith Family Foundation.
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You are greatly missed by The Baroquials, the music group in which you played your descant recorder well.
We extend our condolences to your other friends and family.
Mike Forsyth
Beryl,
It was a pleasure getting to know you over the last 8 weeks.
You were a kind, funny, loving woman with a passion for life that was inspiring.
My deepest condolences to John.
– Narrah x
My dear friend Beryl and I together with two mutual friends worked at Parkdale Primary School for many years during which time we shared a wonderful , supportive and happy friendship. Beryl was a very caring person and a tower of strength. Nothing was too much trouble for Beryl. She was particularly good at teaching the recorder and coached the rounder’s team. Her class showcased many entertaining acts at the school concerts. We went on many school camps together which we enjoyed very much.
We shared many laughs together.
Deepest sympathy to John and family💐.
From Jill Brear
Dear Beryl,
So sorry to know that no more will I first have a chat with you, if you picked up the phone before John.
You and John literally sailed life’s oceans together and touched peoples’ hearts wherever you went. I particularly remember the many visits you shared with John when he and I were working together for RMIT in China and your subsequent hosting of the Chinese Director with both kangaroos and (but not in the same pot!) your superb hot soup, when we visited you in Castlemaine in Winter.
Truly a multi-talented, good-natured, loved and admired member of the community, who will be much missed by her friends, plus most sadly of all, John and your family.
Without doubt, Beryl’s life was a life well lived.
Heather and I send our heart felt condolences to you all.
– Roger and Heather Bell
Dear Aunty Beryl,
Thank you for being amazing, I love you so much.
I couldn’t forget you.
If you want to say hello to Beryl go outside and look at the stars.
Love from Skyler Jade Wood (6 years old)
Dear Aunty Beryl,
You were a woman who was supporting everyone in their lives.
No matter where you were, you would always be cheering for your loved ones.
You made everyone happy with just your “Hello”, and with one Beryl hug you made someone’s day.
I love and admire the strong, smart and kind woman you will forever be.
I will miss you.
Love Tasmyn Emerald Wood (11 years old)
Dear Aunty Beryl,
This is not goodbye, this is see you later.
You are always around us.
Some of us will not see you, but we will all still feel you.
You are my meaning of kindness and joy.
Life is always great with you. No one could ask for more, having known and loved you.
Words could not describe your magic. I would be here all day trying to explain the beauty of you and the special place in my heart you will remain.
From your ” Life of Riley”, your baby brother’s grandbaby.
Love always Riley Jake Wood (12 years old)
Dear Aunty Beryl,
You are so much to our family.
The sadness is immense and the loss is immeasurable.
We are privileged to have had the laughs and great times with you and your beautiful family.
The memories we share with you and Uncle John are priceless. These memories and photos are of great comfort right now.
You are the jewel in the family crown. You have been the person, to keep the family connected.
Your love has spanned across all generations and branches of the family tree.
“These books gave Matilda a hopeful and comforting message: You are not alone.” – Roald Dahl
Thank you for always sharing your heart and your home with open arms. We adore you our beloved Aunt.
Love Shireen and Matt Wood
Beryl was a wonderful person and friend, she enjoyed her life and her family.
She will be sadly missed.
We cruised together around South America, house-boated together on the Murray River and travelled together in Ontario & Quebec, Canada, as well as visiting and staying with each other in both Australia and Canada.
We are very sad that she is gone and will miss her very much.
Lots of love, Arlene & Bob
To John and all your family.
Golden Point Landcare forward our sincerest condolences at this time. We will miss Beryl at our gatherings and working bees, as you are both a constant,
and Beryl’s provisioning especially will be a space on the table that is impossible to fill.
Our love to you all,
Regards GPL
Dear John and your family,
Hans and I send our sincere condolences.
Beryl will be sadly missed by people who had the privilege to get to know her.
She was a hard worker for U3A for many years.
I had the pleasure of standing next to her in the Peace Choir soprano section.
She never complained about her health issues and just compensated with a smile.
Love to John and the family at this sad time
Regards Anne and Hans.
The Chewton Domain Society acknowledges the time consuming work that long time CDS member Beryl did in the original setting up of the incredible data base of the People and Places Collection of historic material related to Chewton’s gold rush history – this allows interested people to easily access information relating to our collection and has been an invaluable resource and wonderful legacy for Chewton.
Thanks from the CDS Management Committee.
I was so sorry to be away in WA when Beryl passed away but grateful to have spent time with her and John in Chewton a couple of times in the past two months. Beryl was gracious and caring with a lovely sense of humour remembering times past during our last times together.
Vale Beryl.
May you Rest In Peace now.
My heartfelt sympathy to John and family.
– Kaye Wood