Many locals gathered to mourn the passing of Pakenham’s Lynnete Elizabeth Stephenson (née Giles) OAM and to remember the immense contribution she made to scouting, church and the community at large.
Residents from near and far filled the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Wednesday 9 July, alongside the Stephenson family at the service for the scouting legend affectionately known as “Lyn” who died on 27 June.
The Cardinia Civic Concert Band began proceedings with a rendition of Amazing Grace, before Pastor of Pakenham Uniting Church, Jo Crisp led the first prayer.
Ms Stephenson worshipped with Pakenham Uniting Church for all her life, her death marks the end of the longest-serving member of the church.
Pastor Crisp noted the Uniting Church banner over the lectern, which was made by Ms Stephenson’s mother, Lorna Giles, who was a profound influence on her decades of service.
“There is nothing we can say to ease that shock and grief that many of us are feeling as we come to terms with our life without Lyn,” Pastor Crisp said.
One of Ms Stephenson’s favourite book of scripture was Ecclesiastes, with 3:1-12 read before the service. Pastor Crisp noted the reading’s reflection of quiet servitude in the passage of life as mirroring Ms Stephenson’s worship and life work.
Ms Stephenson’s niece, Karli Verghese and nephew, Teague Rook spoke of her early life and the start of the “Giles matriarchy” with her two younger sisters, Marcia Rook and Deb James.
“She wore her many uniforms, from the whites as a nurse, her scouting khakis in blue and adorned with medals and her black and burgundy band vest with pride,” Ms Verghese said.
“Today, we pause to reflect upon and celebrate her life, and we are each the richer for her.”
She attended Pakenham Kindergarten, which was established by her mother, Pakenham Consolidated and Kooweerup High School.
From an early age, she had an ear for music and an avid love for the outdoors. The many stories shared at the services reflected the strong will that made her the resilient leader that she was known for, as well as her tender heart that saw her always the first to be moved to tears.
Ms Stephenson became a nurse and midwife at the Pakenham Bush Nursing Hospital where she welcomed many children in the place where she too was born.
She married Keith Stephenson, and they had a son named Michael.
After her career, she worked in the rollout of immunisation programs in schools and continued as a volunteer with the bush hospital.
Music Director of the Cardinia Civic Concert Band, Kim Thomsen spoke of the critical service and the many stories of Ms Stephenson in her 70 years as a Life Member playing the euphonium for the band, starting when it was called the Pakenham Brass Band.
“I could go one forever, and like everyone else here, thought she would be around forever,” Ms Thomsen said.
“Lyn, you leave in our hearts more than music, you will be missed in our traditions, our heritage, our community and family gatherings, but your unwavering demonstration of commitment, dedication, sense of humour and service to the community will ensure that your memory and legacy live on forever.”
Ms Stephenson served 57 years with Scouts, as a former District Cub Scout Leader and most recently served as District Historian.
Her scouting and overall community work saw her named Cardinia Citizen of the Year in 2003, she received the National President’s Award in 2015 and was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2021.
Ms Stephenson mentored countless locals, including Scouts Cardinia District Commissioner Courtney Barker, who spoke of her enduring legacy.
“Her legacy is enormous, her leadership, passion and care helped shape scouting in Cardinia and her influence will live on,” Mr Barker said.
Ms Stephenson was also a leader in many other volunteer groups, she was a longtime member of Pakenham Red Cross and served as president multiple times for the Probus Club of Pakenham.
Her many other efforts were acknowledged, such as her work in local diabetes awareness or her care in the final years of her close friend Margaret Turner, who passed away in February.
Longtime friend, fellow church member and former Scouts District Commissioner, Olive Elston described her warmth during the weekly dinners to watching the footy games of her beloved Geelong Cats.
“Lyn was a wonderful friend, our Thursday night dinners, which we have held weekly for many years, will not be the same without you,” Ms Elston said.
The service was concluded with a final prayer and song.
Ms Stephenson is remembered by her two sisters, Marcia and Deb, her son Michael, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the extended family.
