Nola Lawler, one of the Port's most cherished breast cancer support members, has died. She was 89.
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The sad news was announced last week the publicity officer of the Tomaree Breast Cancer Support Group Inc, Christine Walton.
"Our beautiful Patron Nola Lawler sadly passed away in John Hunter Private Hospital on Tuesday night (September 14)," she said.
"Nola was an amazing woman, she started this group 20 years ago to help a friend who was suffering breast cancer.
"With a small circle of her friends and a $100 donation, she was off and running and over the years this group has helped hundreds of both women and men in Port Stephens.
"We have remained a not for profit group with all money raised going to support people going though breast cancer, which Nola referred to as 'grassroots help'.
"She built our group up to the large incorporated group we are today, providing much needed care and assistance for breast cancer sufferers."
After having started the support group in 2001, Nola discovered that members from the Zolta Women's Group in South Australia were making cushions for breast cancer sufferers.
"So, Nola got in touch with the group's volunteers who provided her with the pattern and soon our sewing bee days commenced," Ms Walton said.
"Today I am sure the number of cushions made would be in the thousands and they are all part of Nola's dream.
"She always had one to use as a neck pillow, she had it in hospital, in ICU, in palliative care and under her neck when she passed."
Ms Walton said that Nola had left a wonderful legacy on the Tomaree Peninsula and that the members of the support group would be proud to continue on her wonderful contribution.
"Our love and thoughts are with Kevin, Gerard and Karen, David and Gaynor and family," Ms Walton said.
