Vale Christine Darby

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 21 April 2020 11:49

It is with sadness we have learnt of the passing of Christine Darby (née Curtin) - a very caring and creative person, always with a smile.  

Christine joined Bennelong Northside in 1999 and was a much-loved club member bringing brightness, warmth and camaraderie to all club activities. She was a regular participant in Sydney Summer Series as well as club events, Metro and State Leagues plus travelled to Australian Championships with club members. The spirit and warmth that she contributed are fondly remembered (along with the chocolate cakes and brownies that were freshly baked and shared at Metro Leagues). 

After meeting Stephen (Garingal), their relationship grew through many orienteering adventures. Marriage and the World Rogaining Champs were highlights in 2006. Along with their two beautiful girls, Joanna and Angela, the family joined Garingal and have been regulars at the SOS in recent years. Christine could be seen on many Saturdays encouraging, teaching and patiently following one of the girls around their course. Most recently the family also came to the Garingal Christmas Party held on a very hot 40°+ day early February, in order that the girls could meet other Garingal juniors.

Stephen tells how Christine fought a four-year long battle with ovarian cancer with determination, dignity and compassion. It was hard for even him to know how much she was suffering because she was always thinking of others first, and just wanted to be treated as normal. For as long as she could, Christine volunteered each week with Hornsby Connect, a charity that provides food and support for those in need.

Just last year, Christine was also volunteering to help with the orienteering program at her girl’s school. She was generous with her time and energy and a wonderful, caring role model as well as advocate for orienteering in the community that will be missed by many.

Stephen is keen that if you have any photos or special memories of Christine, you please send them to Barbara Hill (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for collation. We would love to preserve some of these memories for her young family.

Our hearts go out to Stephen, Joanna and Angela at this most difficult time for them personally.  With limitations on social gatherings, Stephen says a time to meet and remember will be organised at a later date.  In the meantime, Stephen suggests that donations to Hornsby Connect would be preferred rather than flowers if people are of that mind.

Our thanks to Barbara Junghans, Wayne Pepper and Barbara Hill for this beautiful tribute.