EULOGY FOR IRENE BANNON (Nee Mc Donald)
Irene was born on 28-5-31 in New Castle on Tyne, in Northern England. Her father was a Travelling Salesman for his Company at the time and Irene’s mother was often left alone to care for a small baby, with little professional or family help in such a big responsibility.
She was an only child and deeply loved by both her parents, but grew up in England in difficult times. As a small child, she spent many a night in air raid shelters while bombs fell around their home and the air was alive with the anti-aircraft fire. Food was heavily rationed and in spite of her parent’s efforts, she often did not get the nutrition a young child needs.
Early in life she became interested in the Christian faith and was devoted to the work of the church. When her family migrated to Australia in 1950, they were sponsored by a church family in South Australia.
She quickly became heavily involved with the church there, teaching Sunday School and working with the minister in Pastoral visiting. While there, she felt called to train for missionary work. She worked during the day and studied at night to obtain the necessary qualifications to be accepted for Missionary training.
In 1954 she began studying for missionary work, but while she passed the academic studies, her health stood in the way of this calling. However, God had other plans for her. She met Stan and they were married in 1956 and together they began to work in the ministry of the church, serving in many areas throughout Victoria.
Wherever she went, she was loved by the people, for her deep faith and care for others. She has retained many friendships through the years.
While ill health continually held her back, she raised three children, was a faithful support to Stan in his ministry and continued to work on developing her personal skills.
She successfully completed Clinical Pastoral Education training for hospital visitation and counselling of the sick.
When she moved to Morwell, she enrolled at Theological College to commence a Bachelor of Theology Degree. This meant regular drives to Melbourne, and while she enjoyed it and revelled in the challenge, she found it too much and had to reluctantly give up this dream..
As art was in the family and she showed real ability in this field, she attended a series of art classes under successful local artists. Her painting developed to quite a high standard and she not only won many awards for individual paintings but received best painting in the show on two occasions.
She sold many paintings, particularly of birds, animals and portraits. She was commissioned by Arch Bishop Sir Frank Little to paint his portrait in full robes, to hang in his home in Kew. She also painted Kamal and was invited to visited him and his family, while he was in Melbourne, to present it to him.
She was delighted when her youngest daughter became a professional artist and her other two children showed great talent in the area also.
She also made it a family tradition to paint a special portrait for each Grand child as they came along. Unfortunately she was not well enough to finish the paintings for her last two grandchildren, but her children have located the paintings she was working on to this end and will ensure the little one’s receive their special gift from grandma.
When Irene’s father died , despite her own ill health, she cared for her elderly mother in her own home for a number of years. That was a special time.
Irene was diligent in her participation in the life of her church. She was unfailing in supporting Stan in all he did. Things he couldn’t have done without her support.
Even when her health was poor, she was always ready to offer a listening ear to another in need. She commented, “I can’t do much, but I can listen”. Those she helped knew how important that skill is, particularly her husband, Stan.
One program she loved ,and set up a group wherever they made their home, was the “Know Your Bible” weekly studies.
It was evident that life was getting hard for her, when she told Stan, she could no longer continue with those studies, even with the loving support and care of the ladies she shared with each week.
Irene’s health deteriorated sharply from early May. The constant prayers, visits and gifts from a large number of the members of the church, together with our minister, reminded us that we were not alone. They reached out with God’s love to us.
The family are deeply appreciative of the skilled and caring medical care Irene has received. For a number of years, Dr Ian Webb as her G.P. has been unfailing in his support and care. In her final illness, the work of Dr Scarlett and Dr David never ceased to do all that was humanly possible for her.
The nursing staff at the Latrobe Regional Hospital were a credit to their calling, in the way they cared for and supported Irene and her family as they sat with her in her final days. Their understanding and support is deeply valued by the family. The Hospital Chaplain, Nanette Phelan was constantly available to pray with us and remind us that the loving care of our God never fails.
We could sum up Irene’s life in the words of an old hymn.
I love Thy Church, O God !
The house of Thine abode ,
The church our blest Redeemer saved
With His own precious blood.
For her my tears shall fall,
For her my prayers ascend;
For her my cares and toils be given,
Till toils and cares shall end.
