When I think of Edna, some of my earliest memories are of sitting together in the kitchen at home, smoking, talking and sharing stories about family and everyday life.
At the time, I was a long way from my own family, and what began with me simply being someone visiting gradually became something much more. Somewhere along the way, I stopped feeling like a visitor and started feeling as though I was part of another family.
I was included in the ordinary day-to-day things, including shopping trips together, and then in the special things too — family celebrations, dinners together in the lounge, dancing, laughing and simply enjoying being together.
I also remember Edna meeting Ashleigh for the first time, when she was still so little, nearly two years old. Edna welcomed her with the same warmth and love she showed her other great-granddaughter, Ava. The two girls were around the same age and had such a wonderful time together, especially at Edna’s home, surrounded by family.
And then there were the New Years at Maureen’s — late nights, karaoke, music and so many great times. They are memories that still make me smile.
Looking back now, I realise just how much those times meant to me. It wasn’t necessarily one big moment that made me feel welcome. It was all those little moments, over many years, that made me feel I belonged.
I will always cherish the memories I made with my Liverpool family, and I send Edna my love and blessings.
Thank you, Edna, for welcoming me into your life, for making me feel part of your family, and for making me feel so loved and at home.
You will always hold a very special place in my heart.
And to Maureen, Grace, Anne, Arthur, Sean and all of Edna’s extended family, I send you my deepest love and condolences on your loss. I know how deeply Edna was loved and how greatly she will be missed.
Although I am so far away, please know that I am thinking of all of you and sharing in your sadness. I feel incredibly fortunate to have known Edna and to have been welcomed into your family all those years ago.
With all my love from Australia. ❤️
Kelsie Marie Donovan
14/10/2026
