Janet “Jan” Lowe

As a fresh graduate I drove to Dandenong in what was then designated country Victoria to meet the new senior master of Doveton High School Mr Miles Lowe. Of course it wasn’t long before I met Jan Lowe and that began a series of coffees and teas (in porcelain cups) on the kitchen table which has stretched over sixty years. Last year Jan joined John Nelson, also a teacher at Doveton and his wife Janet, as she did on many occasions for lunch. A lifetime of friendship rekindled at every meeting. Jan as ever was a delight. Courteous and a delight to be with. Her love for Miles remained undimmed and he was part of her daily life. After the proud discussion of the lifes of her children and grandchildren the conversation would quickly turn to books and what she was currently reading She was an avid reader. Jan’s life straddled the 20th Century beginning in recession through a war and was part of the mighty growth of this country. It is people and particularly women like Jan who have, day by day, made their contribution to ensure that the next generation would have a worthy future. As a mother and with her husband she simply cared for what mattered most: her family. I would be remiss not to acknowledge that Miles ensured that cricket was central to family life. Shaped by her values and commitment she was rightly proud of her children as they contribute to this country in their own unique way. Gentle, she appeared, but strong in her endeavour to do what was right for those she loved and the country she belonged to. We, her friends loved her dearly. Peter Harris